Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - Its symptoms, types, causes, treatments, and home remedies

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS or PCOD) is a common hormonal issue in females. The main impact of the ovarian disease is on a female’s fertility. Around 70% of cases of infertility are due to PCOS. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, PCOS is a commonly found endocrine disorder that affects approximately 8-20% of females, out of which most cases remain undiagnosed. PCOS is often linked to other medical conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, and heart diseases. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, around 50% of the females diagnosed with PCOS develop diabetes before they reach 40 years of age. 

With so many females affected by PCOS, there is an urgent need to educate women about this condition. In this article, let us discuss PCOS, signs of PCOS, PCOS causes, types, PCOS treatment, and home remedies.

What is polycystic ovarian syndrome?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is an endocrine system disorder that affects the reproductive years of a female. PCOS is characterised by the development of small fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries. In PCOS, innumerable small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) grow on the ovaries. These cysts are not harmful but can lead to hormonal imbalances in your body. However, PCOS increases your risk of gestational diabetes, miscarriage, preeclampsia, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and premature delivery. 

What are the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome?

There are several polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms. However, most often, the symptoms of PCOS do not appear until you have gained weight. In some cases, the symptoms may appear from the onset of the first menstrual cycle itself. Following are the most common symptoms of PCOS in females:

• Oligomenorrhea that is, irregular menstrual cycle
• Amenorrhea, that is, skipped menstrual cycle or absence of menstruation
• Menorrhagia that is, heavy bleeding during menstruation
• Excessive growth of hair on body, face, belly, back, and chest
• Development of acne on the upper back, chest, and face
• Increased weight
• Loss of hair on the scalp or the hair keeps becoming thinner
• Darkening of skin in the groin area, neck, and under the breasts as well.

Apart from these symptoms, uncontrolled PCOS can also lead to certain complications in the future. This is because of the increased androgen levels in the body. The several complications that may arise due to PCOS are:

• Infertility
• Abnormal bleeding in the uterine
• Type II diabetes.
• Metabolic syndrome that increases your risk of high blood pressure, blood sugar levels, stroke, and heart diseases.
• Premature birth or preterm labour.
• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
• Sleep apnea more commonly occurs in overweight females due to repeated pauses in breathing at night that causes interrupted sleep.
• Anxiety and depression caused due to several symptoms of PCOS.
• Miscarriage or spontaneous loss of pregnancy.
• Thickened uterine lining can lead to endometrial cancer.

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a major health condition affecting various other biological processes in females. Sometimes, PCOS is not presented with symptoms, making its diagnosis difficult. Since no permanent treatment is available for PCOS, it is very important that the condition is diagnosed early so that its future complications can be prevented. The early diagnosis of PCOS will help manage the symptoms of the condition and prevent major infertility issues. Therefore, if you feel any abnormal symptoms that are linked to PCOS, make sure that you get a consultation from a doctor to diagnose if it is PCOS and get the required treatment at the right time.

What are the types of polycystic ovarian syndrome?

Depending upon the underlying cause of PCOS, the condition can be of different types, viz. Insulin resistance PCOS, adrenal PCOS, inflammatory PCOS, and post-pill PCOS.

Insulin resistance PCOS

Around 70% of cases of PCOS are referred to as insulin resistance PCOS. In this condition, the body cells become numb to the effect of insulin, causing insulinoma, which leads to insulin resistance PCOS. The major symptoms of PCOS insulin resistance are fatigue, sugar cravings, and weight gain in the abdominal area. The main treatment of PCOS includes sound sleep, reducing stress, and regular physical activity and movement. Females diagnosed with insulin resistance PCOS must have a balanced diet containing chromium, magnesium, inositol, and NAC and avoid food containing high sugar. 

Adrenal PCOS

The increased levels of DHEA and cortisol caused due to a stressful period mark the diagnosis of adrenal PCOS. In case of adrenal PCOS, try reducing your stress levels by practising meditation, yoga, and good sleep. Include vitamins B5, C, and magnesium in your diet as they support your nervous system and adrenal glands. Avoid practising high-intensity exercises.

Inflammatory PCOS

When chronic inflammation leads to PCOS, it is known as inflammatory PCOS. It is mainly caused due to an unhealthy lifestyle, poor diet, and increased testosterone levels in the blood. The major symptoms of inflammatory PCOS include unexplained fatigue, headache, increased levels of C-reactive protein, and skin issues like eczema. Good gut health can help manage inflammatory PCOS by improving digestive enzymes, balancing gut bacteria, and repairing leaky gut tissues. Include natural anti-inflammatory food like omega 3 fatty acids and turmeric and antioxidants like NAC. Also, minimise the consumption of food products that trigger inflammation.

Post-pill PCOS

If PCOS emerges when you stop taking oral contraceptive pills, the condition is known as post-pill PCOS. Oral contraceptive pills can temporarily help manage the symptoms of PCOS; thus, the symptoms worsen once you stop taking your pills. You can treat PCOS by including vitamin B6, E, magnesium and zinc into your diet, having a healthy sleep, and reducing your stress levels.

What are the causes of polycystic ovarian syndrome?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome can be caused due to a single factor or a combination of several factors. There are innumerable factors responsible for polycystic ovarian disorders. Following is a list of factors that can contribute to PCOS.

Family history

Women who have an immediate female relative suffering from PCOD have 50% more chances of getting diagnosed with PCOS. A single gene cannot lead to PCOS; the cumulative effect of multiple genes causes PCOS.

Insulin resistance and lifestyle

Around 70% of women suffering from PCOD are diagnosed with peripheral insulin resistance. The energy uses up the sugar present in food for the production of energy by the action of the insulin enzyme secreted by the pancreas. Insulin resistance makes the cells incapable of using insulin properly, thereby increasing the demand for insulin in the body. Thus, with the growing insulin demand, the pancreas makes more and more insulin. The development of insulin resistance can be due to several factors, including genetics and increased weight.

Inflammation

The increased inflammation levels in the female due to increased weight or elevated levels of androgen can contribute extensively to inflammation. Excessive inflammation is another important cause of PCOS.

Weight

An increase in weight worsens the symptoms associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome, including insulin resistance. Most women do not experience the symptoms of PCOS when they have a healthy weight. However, an increased weight causes the symptoms of PCOS to appear. 

How is polycystic ovarian syndrome treated?

A permanent treatment plan for PCOS is yet to be discovered. However, lifestyle modifications and proper treatment can help manage the condition and keep it under control. Generally, a multidisciplinary treatment approach is planned by a team of doctors for managing PCOS. Lifestyle modifications that aim at weight reduction are very effective in treating PCOD. Even a 5% reduction in weight can help in the easy and effective management of PCOS. Following are the treatment options which are considered for controlling PCOS.

Medicines

Certain medicines are prescribed to PCOS patients to improve their menstrual cycle irregularities. Following are some of the drugs which your doctor might recommend to you.

Combinatorial birth control pills

The progestin and estrogen hormones present in the birth control pills reduce the levels of the male sex hormone. Birth control pills also regulate the levels of your hormones that allow the follicles to release eggs, form acne, and stimulate hair growth. Birth control pills like eflornithine and spironolactone are prescribed to reduce the increased growth of hair in your body.

Progestin therapy

Besides birth control pills, your doctor might advise you to take progestin for around 10-14 days every month. This will help regulate your menstrual cycle.

Immature follicles treatment

This treatment is given to females who are planning their family in the near future. In this procedure, the immature follicles are aspirated to improve your body's endocrinology and reduce the number of follicles in every ovary.

Drugs

Certain medicines like letrozole, gonadotropins, metformin, and clomiphene are also prescribed for the treatment of PCOD.

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling

It is a surgical procedure doctors perform in cases of severe cases only. This procedure triggers ovulation causing the release of the egg from the ovaries.

Dietary modifications

Although many lifestyle modifications are required in women suffering from PCOD, dietary modifications top the list. A PCOS patient is encouraged to have a PCOS diet containing reduced carbohydrate and fat levels. This is generally recommended to prevent the sudden increase in blood sugar levels, ultimately keeping a check on your weight. Following is a list of food you can and should include in your daily diet.

• Leafy vegetables like kale and spinach
• Unprocessed natural food
• Cauliflower and broccoli
• Fibre rich food
• Fish
• Legumes and nuts
• Low-fat dairy products
• Whole grains

Exercises

Routine physical exercise is also very important for people diagnosed with PCOS. For your PCOS treatment to work effectively, you need to reduce your body mass index (BMI). The several exercises that are effective and can be easily included in your daily routine are:

• Cardiovascular workout
• High-intensity interval training or HIIT
• Strength training
• Mind-body exercises
• Interval training

What are the home remedies available for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome?

Since PCOS cannot be treated permanently, and the only cure is to manage the condition, thus, apart from medicines, certain home remedies can also help you in combating the symptoms of PCOS. Some of the home remedies that you can include in your daily life are:

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet that contains whole food and abundant fruits and vegetables.
• Ensure regular physical activity
• Aim at maintaining a healthy weight as it is the key to treat PCOS
• Quit smoking
• Ensure that your diet has balanced carbohydrate and protein intake
• Include anti-inflammatory food in your diet
• Increase your intake of iron, magnesium, and fibre
• Limit your consumption of coffee
• You can include soy products in your diet as well
• Supplements like inositol, chromium, cinnamon, turmeric, zinc, evening primrose oil, calcium, vitamin D, cod liver oil, and berberine can be helpful.
• You can also include herbs like maca root, ashwagandha, holy basil, liquorice root, and chasteberry in your diet.
• Probiotics maintain good gut health. Therefore, they are equally beneficial in the treatment of PCOS.
• Practise good sleep hygiene, which includes around 8-10 hours of sleep, a regular bedtime routine, and avoid eating stimulant food at night.
• Practise yoga and meditation to reduce stress.
• Avoid canned food, makeup, and soaps that interfere with your body's natural hormone reactions.
• Taking acupuncture can be an alternative treatment option for PCOS.

Takeaway

PCOS is a common condition that can lead to infertility and other future complications in females, including obesity and acne formation. Several factors contribute together to the development of PCOD. Thus, the treatment of PCOD is challenging. The best way to treat PCOS is to manage and control its symptoms so its effect can be constrained. A proper weight is very important for females to manage several PCOS symptoms. Females must know about PCOD and its treatment and prevention as well. Now that you know about the causes, symptoms, types, treatments, and home remedies for the polycystic ovarian syndrome, you will be better able to analyse your condition and manage your PCOS symptoms efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exercise is best for PCOS?

Regular exercise like jogging, brisk walking, swimming, and cycling are recommended for women suffering from PCOS.

2. Can women with PCOS eat bananas?

Yes, bananas are a very good option for women suffering from PCOS because they are rich in potassium and contain very little sugar.

3. Can females with PCOS get pregnant?

Yes, with the advancement in reproductive science and effective management of PCOS, such females can become pregnant and start their family.