Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that involves an increase in the male hormone called androgens in a woman's ovaries. It causes a combination of hormonal, metabolic, menstrual, and emotional problems that can often be very challenging for women. Not only that, but this hormonal imbalance also changes your life if you suffer from it.
If you have been diagnosed with it, it's important to understand that you are not alone. Living with PCOS requires certain lifestyle changes, but that certainly does not mean that you cannot live a happy life.
Being aware of the impact of PCOS has is important understand to improve the quality of your life, control your symptoms, and live healthily. Here are some ways PCOS can alter your life.
Since PCOS leads to a hormonal imbalance in your ovaries, it also affects your period. This means that you would either be missing several periods in a row or have your period too frequently. Either case may indicate a hormonal issue, so if you experience this, then it's important to consult a health provider.
Women with PCOS also experience abnormal hair growth in unusual places such as the chin, sides of the face, chest, nipples, belly, and inner thighs. This is usually caused by the increasing levels of the male hormone androgen. It also impacts the hair on your head, making it thinner or more prone to falling.
The increase in male hormones also triggers an increase in adult acne in various areas of the body, including the face, chest, and back. This sort of acne is not treated with traditional acne medication, so it's best to see a physician to get a proper prescription for treatment.
Research states that about 80% of women with PCOS experience fluctuations in their weight, typically increasing it. The increase in weight is mostly in the abdominal area and is often because of insulin resistance in the body. However, the good news is that if you lose 2-10% of your excess body fat, the symptoms can be easily managed, and living with PCOS becomes simpler.
Since PCOS messes up your period cycle because of irregular periods or lack of ovulation, it makes getting pregnant difficult. Infertility is often a common symptom of PCOS.
Women with PCOS tend to be more prone to have mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Though the correlation between mental health and PCOS is still being explored, it is believed that excess androgens may cause mental health problems. These hormones also often cause distress to women because of the weight gain, hair growth, and infertility they trigger.
When you learn about how PCOS affects your life, you can understand why it is important to speak to a licensed health provider. A Health One Family Medicine provider can help devise a treatment plan that can help you cope with both the physical and mental symptoms brought about by this condition.
To make an appointment with a Health One Family Medicine provider, visit https://www.healthonemedicine.com/ or call (469)262-5762 today.