PCOS or Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome
Adolescent girls, and women in their child bearing years face this common problem but if you have had PCOS, and are now approaching middle age, or have already reached it – what are the things that you should be expecting?
Various studies done with middle aged women to detect the changes in PCOs, here is what was found.
Most women who have polycystic ovary syndrome-related infertility, seem to find it easier to conceive naturally post 30.
As you age, the level of testosterone in your body decreases gradually meaning that all the excess testosterone related problems (like hirsutism, baldness and acne) seem to also decrease with age.
Irregular periods seem to regularize slowly with time (pre-menopause, of course).
On the positive side, the menopause related problems like sweating and hot flashes are less common in women with PCOS.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome, as they approach middle age, are more likely to carry harmful extra weight around their middle.
This can lead to high BMI (Body Mass Indicator), increased risk of diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, in the long run, the PCOs will affect your metabolism – slowing it down and making you unhealthy.
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Even as the PCOS could make menopause easier for you – it will eventually throw up bigger life risks after.
Polycystic ovary syndrome needs to be checked out and treated while in adolescence or by early middle age at least.
What tests can help in a diagnosis?
Of course, the prescribing and administering of tests, as well as evaluation of the patient and the results is up to your doctor or medical practitioner here are the options that the doctors resort to:
Doctor will take a detailed history of your menstrual cycle and reproductive health.
This will include questions about how often you get your period, how heavy. The doctor will also ask you about other symptoms like excess hair growth, acne, weight troubles, presence of patchy dark patches on skin, etc.
After taking your detailed history, your doctor or gynecologist will conduct a physical pelvic and abdominal examination.
Next up, most women are asked to undergo a blood test to see the levels of the reproductive hormones.
Along with that, the doctor will usually also prescribe a test for lipid profile and blood sugar levels – as they can be interlinked.
In addition to the blood test, women are also asked to go for an ultrasound test – this gives an accurate picture of the ovaries, and also shows the presence of cysts, if any.
Once the tests are conducted, the doctor is then able to determine the exact extent of the condition, as well as what can be done to treat it. And here we come to the section on…
What to do for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Well, PCOs treatment usually takes a multi-pronged approach… and your doctor would also advise a combination of the following factors:
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Lifestyle changes
Weight is a huge contributing factor to the development and symptoms of PCOS. So doctors first and foremost advice you to switch to a low calorie healthy diet and an active lifestyle to shed the extra weight.
Birth Control Medication
One of the most common management methods for PCOS. The condition is characterized by dwindling reproductive hormones.
The condition is therefore regulated by contraceptives that provide your body with the essential hormones.
Hormone therapys
Specific hormone therapy can be used for people with severe conditions where they do not respond to birth control pills.
In addition to these, the doctor may suggest ways to deal with the excessive hair growth, acne or baldness.
Now, these are all things that your doctor prescribes, but there is something that is natural and safer and you can try that out for yourself…
Herbal supplements
Talk to a doctor or at least a naturopath before using any herbal supplements.
If you are considering them, here are two that have become quite popular and seem to deliver consistent results, too:
#1: Jarrow Formulas Inositol Powder
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This first one is in a powder form and in addition to detoxifying your body, this also helps to regular the levels of insulin as well as testosterone in your body.
The insulin regulation is necessary because as women with PCOs age, their risk of developing type 2 diabetes actually increases. Also, the testosterone control ensures that you have fewer problems related to excess testosterone in your body. Over all, irrespective of age, this is a good supplement to try for PCOs, as it helps you deal with many of the symptoms. |
And after the herbal powder, we now have a capsule supplement for you…
#2: Nature’s Way Vitex (Chaste Tree)
| This next one has benefits other than merely controlling the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. Most importantly, for women who have PCOS but are trying to conceive.
Birth control pills become a no-no. And yet, even without them, the PCOS itself makes conceiving difficult. But quite a few women who have tried this supplement mention that soon after starting this. Not only were their symptoms more manageable, but they also conceived pretty soon! Over all, it also regularizes the menstrual cycle – which many women greatly appreciate. |
So there you have it – the basic information on PCOS – all that you may want to know. And of course, armed with the recommended supplements, you should be able to manage polycystic ovary syndrome even better.
But yes, do not forget, that this is to do with your body – so do consult with your gynecologist before you start anything!