Pinoy MD: Telltale signs you have PCOS
Nowadays, many women have become more open about suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, otherwise known as PCOS. From celebrities to your co-workers, PCOS is a real condition with real effects on those who suffer from it.
An article by HealthLine.com says that between 2.2 and 26.7 percent of women between the ages of 15 to 44 years old may have PCOS, and many women have it but don't know it yet.
Although doctors don't know exactly what causes PCOS, the high levels of male hormones prevent the ovaries from producing hormones and making eggs normally.
Symptoms may vary from woman to woman, but we've compiled some information that may help you if you think you or someone you care about may have PCOS.
According to Dr. Raul M. Quillamor, the resident OB-GYN of Pinoy MD, there are three telltale symptoms associated with PCOS, and if you have at least two of them, doctors will likely diagnose you with the condition.
These are irregular periods, polycystic ovaries, and excess androgen.
Dr. Quillamor says, “Ang mga most common na mga complaint nila is yung abnormal uterine bleeding or kung minsan malakas o minsan mahina ang bleeding.
“Pero usually malakas kasi mataas ang kanilang androgen levels, mataas ang estrogen, at mababa ang progesterone, kaya kumakapal ang lining ng kanilang matres.
“Pwede rin na irregular ang bleeding nila.”
Being overweight or obese is another common signal of a woman suffering from PCOS.
“Sa katawan pa lamang ng babae, mapapansin mo na kaagad 'yan,” he says.
“May characteristics sila ng obesity kung saan 'yung Body Mass Index (BMI) nila, e, mas malaki kaysa sa pangkaraniwang BMI at usually ito ay ang mga babae na predisposed to have PCOS.
“Although may mga payat din na mga babae na nagkakaroon nito. Kaso, mas common ito sa mga overweight or obese na mga babae.”
Based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' research, about 80 percent of women with PCOS are overweight, and they have an increased risk for fatty liver, hypertension, high cholesterol, and elevated levels of insulin.
Another symptom would be excessive hair growth or hirsutism and the darkening of the skin in areas like the back of the neck and under the breasts.
Dr. Quillamor says, “'Pag tiningnan naman natin 'yung skin nila sa may batok, medyo makapal at maitim o hyperpigmentation.
“Meron din silang mga tumutubo na hair dito sa taas ng lips nila na parang bigote at mas hairy sila compared sa mga normal na babae na walang PCOS.”
To explain, more than 70 percent of women with this condition grow hair on their face and body because of the imbalanced sex hormones in their bodies. To be quite more precise, it's the male hormone or androgen that affects excessive hair growth.
Meanwhile, skin pigmentation changes, also known as Acanthosis nigricans, can be described as the velvety, brown to black pigmentation seen on the neck, under the arms, under the breast area, and the groin. This condition is associated with obesity and insulin resistance; that's why it occurs in some women with PCOS.
To understand more about the symptoms of PCOS and other reproductive-health related concerns, watch the video from Pinoy MD above or HERE.
PCOS can disrupt a woman's menstrual cycle and makes it harder to get pregnant due to the high levels of male hormones in the body.
There are many ways to help treat PCOS, and they often work well.
Doctors would recommend losing weight through exercise and diet to treat PCOS symptoms and improve the odds of getting pregnant.
Medicines are also another option if lifestyle changes don't normalize your menstrual cycle and relieve PCOS symptoms.
Overall, whether or not you have PCOS, it's important to plan regular visits with your OB-GYN and primary care doctor to keep your reproductive health in check.
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