What to know about polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects women during their childbearing years.

PCOS affects women by producing cysts in their ovaries, high levels of male hormones and irregular or skipped periods.

Women with the condition produce more than normal amounts of male hormones. As a result, they tend to experience irregular menstrual cycles.

In addition to unstable menstrual cycles, women with PCOS may potentially suffer from hirsutism- a condition that causes an excessive amount of hair growth on their faces, bodies and legs, as well as baldness sometimes.

Causes of PCOS

Although genes, inflammation and insulin resistance have been linked to triggering PCOS, experts are yet to point out the exact cause of the condition.

Experts believe that the higher production of male hormones by women living with PCOS make their menstrual cycles and pregnancy difficult.

Symptoms

PCOS symptoms include hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face, body and legs), irregular periods, acne (triggered by excessive male hormones present and causing the skin to be oilier), excessive bleeding, weight gain and darkening of the skin.

Effects of PCOS

The most popular effects of PCOS are metabolic syndrome, infertility, headaches, depression, endometrial cancer and sleep apnea, characterised by repeated breathing pauses while sleeping.

With the right diet and exercise, PCOS can be managed. Also, surgery, birth control pills and hair removal drugs are artificial ways of managing the condition.