First of all, you need to think positively and understand that PCOS cannot stop you to become a Mother. Anyone, who has PCOS, can get Pregnant? There must be many questions in your mind regarding the reason behind you are not able to conceive. You can get Pregnant with PCOS and it’s totally treatable. Yes, we agree that one of the causes of Infertility in Women is due to PCOS but again, let me clarify that there are many advanced treatments and test available which can help women’s to overcome this problem, but you need to have a strong mind and will power.
Let’s start understanding what PCOS is and how you can Win Over this Problem.
What do you understand by PCOS?
PCOS is the most common health problem seen in women of childbearing age, it affects 1 in 10 women, due to Hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems. The hormonal imbalance creates a problem in the woman’s ovaries, as some women have egg quality is poor or it does not produce at all. The ovaries produce and release eggs into the woman’s body each month after the Menstrual Cycle. In PCOS, the egg does not develop properly or released during Ovulation Period, due to which fluid builds up around the eggs and form sacs (cysts).
Note: The number and quality of Eggs, start decreasing after the age of 30. It has been noticed that some women face the problem in their 20’s too, due to Obesity and Bad Lifestyle.
Signs and Symptoms
Some of the symptoms are unrecognizing by the women’s and that’s why it seems difficult for many women to deduct this disorder.
> Irregular menstrual periods (most common sign)
> Abnormal uterine bleeding
> Amenorrhea (Lack of menstruation)
> Excessive hair growth (hirsutism), Excess facial and body hair growth
> Pelvic pain (Painful)
> Ovaries with multiple Cysts (polycystic); enlarged ovaries
> Acne, darkening or thickening of the skin (acanthosis nigricans)
> Weight gain or obesity
List of Tests to Diagnose Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
To diagnosis this problem, many doctors take the help of a woman’s signs and symptoms, family, and medical history.
Below are the Laboratory Tests based on hormone evaluation:-
> Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) – will be normal or low with PCOS
> Luteinizing hormone (LH) – will be elevated
> Testosterone – usually elevated
> Estrogens – may be normal or elevated
> Sex hormone-binding globulin (SBGH) – may be reduced
> Androstenedione – may be elevated
> Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
> Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) – an increased level is often seen with PCOS
Blood Tests
> Lipid profile
> Glucose or A1c
> Insulin
Non-Laboratory Tests
A pelvic ultrasound (transvaginal and/or pelvic/abdominal) is used to evaluate enlarged ovaries. Ultrasounds are often used to look for cysts in the ovaries and to see if the internal structures appear normal (Source: Labtestsonline)
Keys to Managing PCOS
> Maintain a healthy approach to diet and physical activity.
> Medications and complementary therapies.
> Get yourself educate about cause and the effect of PCOS.
> Don’t ignore your menstrual periods’ irregular cycles, contact the doctor on the advanced stage
> Reduce your extra weight.
> Maintain your blood pressure and cholesterol to improve sleep apnea problems.
> Ask your doctor for Oral contraceptives to get back your menstrual period’s cycle on time.
> Insulin-sensitizing drugs such as Metformin
> Other medications like Stabilize hormone levels, severe acne and/or excess hair, induce ovulation and decrease the risk of endometrial cancer.
