04/09/2024
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
What is it?
PCOS is a hormonal health condition that affects women of reproductive age. It is mostly characterized by high androgen levels (male hormones), very high AMH levels and abnormal FSH and LH levels.
Currently, the statistics stand as 1 in 5 women have PCOS. (It was 1 in 10 women few years ago). It is becoming prevalent amongst women.
Diagnosis Criteria: To get a diagnosis, one must have at least 2 of the following:
-irregular periods
-blood work showing elevated androgen levels and
-polycystic ovaries on scan ( a minimum of 12 cysts on each o***y shouid be observed)
Causes: the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, however, it is suggestive that genetic factors play a role as well as environmental factors. Thus, if one has PCOS, there are high chances their daughter/ sister could have PCOS.
Types:
- Insulin resistant PCOS ( most common)
-Inflammatory PCOS
-Post-pill PCOS
-Adrenal PCOS
Common Signs / symptoms
-High AMH levels on blood work
-Abnormal FSH: LH ratio on blood work
-Irregular periods / prolonged bleeding
-Acne that is not tamed by topical treatments
-Weight gain / difficulty losing weight
-Chronic fatigue / lack of energy
- Hair thinning
-Hirsutism (facial hair)
-Anovulation
-Insomnia
-anxiety
-brain fog
Management: NB: PCOS is not curable, symptoms can only be managed.
- Exercise: a minimum of 150 minutes a week exercise is a great start at improving PCOS symptoms.
- Diet: Diets that are high in healthy prioteins, fiber and carbs. (Carbs are great, do not cut them out. choose a healthy carb option) Cut down on sugars, dairies, and processed foods.
-Supplement with Inositols: Research has proven that inositols help greatly with PCOS management. It has actually become the preferred management option for many ladies with PCOS. A daily dose of at least 4000mg of myo inositol and 100mg of D-chiro insoitol is recommended.
-Rest/Sleep: The body heals itself best during sleep. For ladies with PCOS, it could be difficult to get sleep, yet sleep is so important. Try to set a bedtime routine and stick with it. Do away with phones, TV etc. about 30 minutes before bedtime.,
Resources: Supprt groups. Make good use of supprt groups. This helps you know you are not alone and also have the opportunity to vent to and with people who can truly understand you. If you need a support group, here’s some:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/gh3RRHAnsTjd7MDS/?mibextid=CTbP7E
WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/K80GbXwZJiR6nPfGtuoPuw
Complications of PCOS:
- risk for developing type 2 diabetes
- risk for developing hypertension
- rain for kidney health issues
- risk for infertility (fertility struggles due to anovulation)
-risk for gestational diabetes
-risk for miscarriages due to tendency to have low progesterone levels
N.B: a diagnosis of PCOS does not equate to a diagnosis of infertility. PCOS is manageable and lots of women with PCOS have had babies.
Do you or a loved one have PCOS? What do you know about it? How has it affected your life? Please share.
September is PCOS awareness month. My name is Enyam Kissiedu and I am 1 in 5.
