PCOS is a very common condition that affects women of reproductive age with hormonal imbalance. It occurs in 5-12% of all women. Women with PCOS may have irregular menstruation or absence of menstruation as a result of ovulation disorder. The ovaries contain multiple small, immature ovarian follicles but do not ovulate regularly.
What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Although the disease does not show any symptoms in the first period, it begins to show itself with some symptoms as the process progresses. Although the symptoms vary from person to person, the common symptoms seen in most women may be as follows:
- Irregular periods
- Amenorrhoea (no periods)
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair and hair loss from the head
- Excessive facial or body hair growth
- Acne
- Darkening of skin
- Mood changes
What causes PCOS?
Although the exact cause of PCOS is not known, it can be caused by increased levels of androgens, insulin resistance or genetic tendencies.
What are the treatment options for PCOS?
Lifestyle changes. The first stage of treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome is diet and exercise. Even a 5-10 percent weight loss in women allows for improvement in menstruation and regression of other PCOS symptoms. Studies show that low-carb diets are beneficial for weight loss and breaking insulin resistance.
Medications. Medicines such as birth control pills (anti-androgens) and antidiabetic drugs are also used to treat PCOS.
In vitro fertilization (IVF). If pregnancy does not occur despite diet and medications, IVF is recommended. Frozen embryo transfer has better outcomes than fresh embryo transfer in women with PCOS.
