Though it may not feel like it when you’re laid out on the sofa with a hot water bottle strapped to your lower back, your menstrual cycle plays an important part in your wellbeing. A healthy, normal cycle controls your fertility and has many other functions, but certain health concerns can get in the way of your menstrual wellness. One such concern is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
If you break down the word “polycystic”, it simply means many cysts. PCOS, therefore, means that you have by clusters of pearl-size cysts in your ovaries. Due to a hormonal imbalance, these fluid-filled cysts contain eggs that have not been releases. Although no one knows exactly why PCOS occurs, researchers believe that decreased insulin sensitivity may play a role. If this is the case, your body requires more insulin than normal to ensure your cells absorb enough sugar, which means you end up with higher levels of insulin in you blood. This causes your ovaries to produce male hormones, and this triggers or worsens your symptoms of PCOS. If you notice areas of your skin are darker, this could be a sign of high insulin levels.
So how do you know if you have PCOS?
1. Your sister has PCOS. This means there’s a 50% chance that you will be likewise affected.
2. You have irregular menstrual periods; it’s either heavy, absent, or unpredictable.
3. You’re infertile. You gave up birth control measures a year ago and still haven’t conceived.
4. You’re obese.
5. You have abnormal hair growth on your face, chest, abdomen, or upper thighs.
6. You have severe acne that does not respond to usual treatments.
7. You have patches of thick, velvety, dark skin.
If you think you might have PCOS, you should see a specialist to have a physical exam, a review of your medical history, a hormone test, a glucose test and an ultrasound of your ovaries. There are many treatments for PCOS, but the one you will receive will depend on your individual symptoms, pre-existing health problems and whether or not you wish to become pregnant. Treatments include female hormone preparations, weight loss, diabetes medications, ovulation-induction, anti-male hormone medications and proper nutrition and exercise.
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