15/05/2026
What Polycystic O***y Syndrome?
Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It occurs when the ovaries produce an excess of androgens (often called "male" hormones), which disrupts the regular release of eggs (ovulation).
Common Symptoms
Symptoms often begin around puberty and vary widely between individuals.
Irregular Periods: Infrequent, absent, or heavy menstrual cycles.
Physical Changes: Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism), severe acne, and thinning scalp hair.
Weight Struggles: Difficulty losing weight or unexplained weight gain, often around the belly.
Skin Changes: Dark, velvety patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans) in body creases like the neck or armpits.
Diagnosis
Doctors typically diagnose PCOS if a patient meets at least two of the following "Rotterdam criteria":
Irregular or absent periods, indicating irregular ovulation.
Clinical or biochemical signs of high androgens (e.g., excess hair or high testosterone in blood tests).
Polycystic ovaries visible on an ultrasound, appearing as man small. fluid-filled sacs (follicles).
Causes and Risks
The exact cause is unknown, but several factors play a role:
Insulin Resistance: Many women with PCOS have bodies that don't use insulin effectively, which can trigger the ovaries to produce more androgens.
Genetics: The condition often runs in families.
Long-term Risks: If unmanaged, it increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.
Management
While there is no cure, symptoms can be managed through:
Lifestyle Changes: Healthy eating and regular exercise are first-line treatments to improve insulin sensitivity.
Medication: Birth control pills to regulate periods, metformin for insulin resistance, or fertility treatments like letrozole if trying to conceive.
