PCOS problem in teenage girls and women can occur due to hormonal disorders like Insulin resistance, Higher levels of androgens, Genetics, Overweight and Sedentary Lifestyle.
PCOS is a hormonal imbalance and this condition tends to lead to other health problems that can be stressful. Diseases like high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure, can develop with age if attention is not given in time. PCOS also increases the risk of infertility later in life. Therefore, this medical condition should not be ignored.
Symptoms of PCOS
You may be at risk for PCOS if-
- Experiencing frequent, irregular, prolonged, or absent periods.
- Heavy or very weak blood flow.
- Immoderate hair growth in various parts of the body.
- Acne or pimples.
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
- Hair problems.
- Dark patches on the skin in the armpit, neck, or chest area.
PCOS in adolescence shows these symptoms and if you notice any changes in your body that last more than a week, you should see a doctor immediately to put your mind at ease.
How is PCOS Diagnosed?
There is no definitive test or complete cure for PCOS. The doctor will ask about your daily routine, medical history, menstrual cycle history, and a physical exam that can diagnose the condition. Blood tests are done to determine the level of androgen hormones in the blood and to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms. An oral glucose tolerance test can be useful for certain women to determine elevated blood sugar and insulin levels.
- Screening for depression and stress.
- Screening for sleep disorder.
- Blood pressure, glucose tolerance, and cholesterol levels.
Treatment for PCOS
Treatment for PCOS focuses on managing the symptoms that affect you. These can include infertility, acne, hirsutism, or obesity. Specific treatments may include lifestyle changes or medications.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes such as weight loss through following a low-calorie diet combined with moderate exercise activities. Even a modest reduction in your weight — for example, losing 5% of your body weight — might improve your condition. Losing weight may increase the effectiveness of medications and it can help with infertility. p>
Medications
To regulate your periods, your doctor might recommend-
Combination birth control pills- Pills containing both estrogen and progestin, reduce androgen production and regulate estrogen. Regulating your hormones can reduce your risk of endometrial cancer and improve irregular bleeding, excessive hair growth, and acne.
Progestin therapy- Taking progestins for 10 to 14 days every 1 to 2 months can regulate your periods and protect against endometrial cancer. This progestin therapy does not improve androgen levels and does not prevent pregnancy. A progestogen-only minipill or an IUD containing a progestogen are better choices if you also want to avoid pregnancy.
Clomiphene- This oral anti-estrogen medication is taken during the first stage of your menstrual cycle.
Letrozole (Femara)- This breast cancer treatment can stimulate the ovaries.
Metformin- This type 2 diabetes medicine, which you take by mouth, increases insulin resistance and lowers insulin levels. If you are not pregnant on clomiphene, your doctor may recommend adding metformin to help you ovulate. If you have prediabetes, metformin can slow the progression to type 2 diabetes and help you lose weight.
Gonadotropins- This hormonal drug is given by injection. If necessary, talk to your doctor about procedures that can help you get pregnant. IVF is an example.
To reduce excessive hair growth or improve acne, your doctor may recommend the following-
Contraception- These pills reduce androgen production which can lead to excessive hair growth and acne.
Spironolactone (Aldactone)- These medicines block the effects of androgens on the skin, including excessive hair growth and acne. Spironolactone can cause birth defects, so effective contraception is required while taking this drug. This medicine is not endorsed if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Eflornithine (Vaniqa)- This cream is effective in slowing down facial hair growth.
Acne treatment- Medications, including pills and topical creams or gels, can help with acne. Talk to your doctor about options.
Home Remedies for PCOS
To reduce the effects of PCOS, try the following home remedies for PCOS-Maintain a healthy weight- Weight loss can lower insulin and androgen levels. It can also restore ovulation.
Limit carbohydrates- A high-carbohydrate diet can increase insulin levels. Choose complex carbohydrates that cause your blood sugar levels to rise more slowly. Complex carbohydrates are found in cooked fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dried beans and peas.
Exercising- Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels. If you have PCOS, you can treat or even prevent insulin resistance by increasing your daily activity and exercising regularly. Being active can also help you manage your weight and avoid diabetes.
Conclusion
It is highly believed in involving a healthy diet and lifestyle strategies to reduce toxic levels. Stress and lack of exercise also contribute to dosha imbalance. Chronic stress causes hormonal changes that lead to external growth of female reproductive organs.
For this, we have ayurvedic medicine to treat PCOS symptoms and balance hormonal functioning. Lekhniya Guggul Ayurvedic Tablets are good for regulating menstruation in women and balancing female hormones naturally.
