Can your PCOS go away?
Although the symptoms can be managed, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cannot be cured. Its treatment choices differ because a person with PCOS may have a variety of symptoms or only one.
Primary treatment options for PCOS include :
- Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight and eating healthy
- Medications: There are several medication options available to treat PCOS. It is advised that you consult your doctor to recommend the right medication and treatment option for you.
How does PCOS usually start?
The precise cause of PCOS is unknown. There is evidence that a person's genetics play a role.
Several other factors contribute to PCOS such as:
- Abnormal hormone levels in the body, including high levels of insulin, and higher levels of male hormones known as androgens: High androgen levels prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation), resulting in irregular menstrual cycles. ¹ ²
- Being overweight or obese.
How early can PCOS be diagnosed?
Polycystic ovary syndrome can be diagnosed during puberty, especially after a girl's first menstruation. If a girl exhibits PCOS symptoms, she should consult with a doctor to determine the best course of action. This condition can also appear in your 20s or 30s.
However, many women discover they have PCOS when they are unable to conceive.
If you have Polycystic ovary syndrome, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Irregular periods
- Male hormone levels are higher than average, which may result in excess hair on the face and body, acne, or thinning scalp hair.
- Weight gain
The following medical procedures are commonly used to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome:
- Sonography, or ultrasound, is a technique for producing images of structures and organs within your body. This test examines your ovaries to see if there is a cyst. It is also used to check the thickness of the lining of your uterus (womb).
- Blood tests are done to check your hormone levels. ³
Is PCOS medicine harmful?
According to research, common PCOS treatments have no negative effects on your health and well-being. ⁴
What questions should I ask my gynaecologist about PCOS?
If you're not sure what questions to ask your healthcare provider about PCOS, here are a few suggestions.
Am I at risk of diabetes?
You may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you have PCOS. This is because PCOS is closely associated with insulin resistance. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor about this.
What treatment options are available for my PCOS?
In order to treat PCOS, various treatment strategies are used. These treatment options are entirely dependent on a variety of factors, including whether or not you are trying to conceive. Consult with your doctor helps you get the best treatment possible.
How can I reduce my risk of complications?
Polycystic ovary syndrome increases your chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
Following your treatment plan exactly can lower your risk of complications. Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle choices such as eating well and exercising can lower your risk. Hormonal therapy is recommended in some cases. ⁵
What is the main problem with PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a type of endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age (15-49 years) and affects about 6% to 15% of women of childbearing age. ⁶
One of the most common issues that women with PCOS face is their inability to conceive (fertility). The hormonal imbalance in women with PCOS interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). You cannot become pregnant if you do not ovulate.
Women with PCOS are also more likely to develop certain serious health issues. These include type 2 diabetes, uterine cancer, high blood pressure, and heart and blood vessel problems. ³
How can I solve PCOS naturally?
PCOS can be managed naturally. This can be accomplished through lifestyle changes and dietary supplements, however, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan.
Always consult your doctor before considering any alternative treatment. They can talk about possible dosage and associated complications.
Here are several natural management options for PCOS:
- Evening primrose essential oil; Evening primrose oil has traditionally been used to treat period pain and irregular menstruation. It may also help with cholesterol which is associated with PCOS. ⁷ Evening primrose oil is also beneficial in aiding ovulation, which may help boost fertility, according to research. ⁸
- Herbs: Traditional remedies such as licorice root, maca root, and chasteberry have been used for centuries to help with reproductive issues. These herbs help with premenstrual syndrome symptoms and may also help with hormonal balance. ⁹ ¹⁰
- Exercise: This is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces your risk of PCOS as being overweight is a risk factor.
- Diet; Eating the right foods can help reduce the severity of your PCOS symptoms. A healthy diet can help you control your hormones and menstrual cycle. Processed foods can cause hormone imbalance, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Try to eat a diet rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals.
How do you get PCOS?
As previously stated, the cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is genetic. As a result, if you have a sister or mother who has PCOS, you are more likely to have it as well. Another possible cause is abnormal hormonal levels.
Is egg good for PCOS?
Eggs are a good diet option for women with PCOS. Eggs are high in nutrients such as proteins, folate, iron, and vitamins, all of which aid in the management of PCOS symptoms. They are also an excellent choice for women who want to lose weight.
References
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2017 [cited 2022 Nov 17]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/
- CDC. Pcos (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and Diabetes [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020 [cited 2022 Nov 17]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.html
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(Pcos) [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2022 Nov 17]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
- Domecq JP, Prutsky G, Mullan RJ, Sundaresh V, Wang AT, Erwin PJ, et al. Adverse Effects of the Common Treatments for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism [Internet]. 2013 Dec [cited 2022 Nov 17];98(12):4646–54. Available from: https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-lookup/doi/10.1210/jc.2013-2374
- Melo AS de, Reis RM dos, Ferriani RA, Vieira CS. Hormonal Contraception in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Choices, Challenges, and Noncontraceptive Benefits. OAJC [Internet]. 2017 Feb 2 [cited 2022 Nov 17];8:13–23. Available from: https://www.dovepress.com/hormonal-contraception-in-women-with-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-choices-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-OAJC
- PCOS Causes, Symptoms, and Effects on the Body [Internet]. [cited 2022 Nov 17]. Available from: https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/what-causes-pcos-how-will-it-affect-body
- Nasri K, Akrami S, Rahimi M, Taghizadeh M, Behfar M, Mazandaranian MR, et al. The Effects of Vitamin D and Evening Primrose Oil Co-supplementation on Lipid Profiles and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Vitamin D-deficient Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled trial. Endocr Res. 2018 Feb;43(1):1–10.
- Rezaei M, Zandokili F, Zare SH, Daneshi E, Rahimi K. Histomorphometric Changes of Ovary in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats After Administration of Evening Primrose Oil. Armaghane Danesh [Internet]. 2021 Apr 10 [cited 2022 Nov 18];26(2):139–47. Available from: http://armaghanj.yums.ac.ir/article-1-3002-en.html
- Arentz S, Abbott JA, Smith CA, Bensoussan A. Herbal Medicine for the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Associated Oligo/Amenorrhoea and Hyperandrogenism; A Review of the Laboratory Evidence for Effects with Corroborative clinical findings. BMC Complement Altern Med [Internet]. 2014 Dec 18 [cited 2022 Nov 18];14:511. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4528347/
- Meissner HO, Mrozikiewicz P, Bobkiewicz-Kozlowska T, Mscisz A, Kedzia B, Lowicka A, et al. Hormone-Balancing Effect of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (I) Biochemical and Pharmacodynamic Study on Maca Using Clinical Laboratory Model on Ovariectomized Rats. Int J Biomed Sci [Internet]. 2006 Sep [cited 2022 Nov 18];2(3):260–72. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614604/