Polycystic Ovary (Ovarian) Syndrome, often called PCOS, is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women around the world. It can cause a lot of changes in the body, and understanding it can help women manage their health better. It often comes with a combination of symptoms that can vary widely in severity and presentation.
PCOS mainly affects the reproductive health of women. The key symptoms of PCOS include:
- Irregular periods: This means a woman might not get her period regularly, or sometimes it might not come at all.
- Excess hair: Some women might notice more hair on their face, chest, or back than usual.
- Trouble with weight: Women with PCOS might find it hard to lose weight or might gain weight more easily.
- Problems with getting pregnant: PCOS can affect fertility, making it harder for some women to have a baby.
- Polycystic ovaries: On ultrasound, multiple small follicles may appear like cysts
- Blood sugar problems: There may be high blood sugar, caused by a condition called insulin resistance, and there will be an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
These symptoms can vary in severity among individuals and may manifest differently over time.
In PCOS, the body produces too much of certain hormones, like testosterone (which is a male hormone). These male hormones are called androgens. This imbalance disrupts the normal menstrual cycle and the functioning of the ovaries. This leads to irregular periods and difficulties with ovulation. Insulin resistance, common in PCOS, further worsens the hormonal imbalance by affecting the breakdown of glucose. This leads to high blood sugar. And this further increases androgen levels, making the PCOS even worse.
PCOS can affect women of reproductive age, typically between adolescence and menopause. It is estimated that 5% to 10% of women of childbearing age are affected worldwide, making it one of the most common hormonal disorders in women. Certain factors, such as family history of PCOS, obesity, and insulin resistance, may increase the risk of developing the condition.
To diagnose PCOS, doctors usually look for at least two out of three things:
- Irregular periods: If a woman’s periods are not happening regularly or are absent.
- Signs of high male hormones: This can include things like extra hair growth on the face or body, acne, or blood tests showing high levels of male hormones.
- Polycystic ovaries: Seen on an ultrasound, where the ovaries might have many small follicles, which are tiny sacs where eggs grow.
If 2 out of these 3 things are present, the person may have PCOS.
Doctors also make sure to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like thyroid problems or high prolactin levels.
Globally, PCOS affects women everywhere, but its prevalence can vary. In Africa, including Ghana, we’re starting to learn more about how many women are affected. Factors like genetics, lifestyle changes, and diet may influence how common PCOS is in different regions.
At Draxer Therapeutics, we’re dedicated to helping women understand and manage PCOS better. Stay tuned for more articles that will explore practical approaches and solutions for managing PCOS, providing women with knowledge and support to improve their health.
