PCOS: Causes, Prevention, and Natural Treatments

PCOS History

In the early 20th century, PCOS was first described as a disorder characterized by the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries.

In 1935, Dr. Irving F. Stein Sr. and Dr. Michael L. Leventhal described a group of women with irregular menstrual cycles, acne, hirsutism, and obesity. He referred to this as "Stein-Leventhal Syndrome."

Between the 1980s and 1990s, researchers started focusing more on the hormonal imbalances of PCOS. This led to a better understanding of PCOS disorder and initiated a new diagnostic criteria.

In 1990, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), proposed the first set of diagnostic criteria for PCOS. This included irregular irregular menstrual cycles and the presence of a minimum of 12 cysts on the ovaries.

In 2003, the Rotterdam consensus workshop proposed a new diagnostic criteria for PCOS. This required to have at least two of the following criteria: 1- irregular menstrual cycles, 2- increased levels of androgen hormones, and 3- presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries.

Currently, the diagnosis of PCOS is made based on several symptoms that include: irregular periods, signs of androgen excess and ultrasound evidence of polycystic ovaries. This criteria is widely accepted among the medical community.

PCOS Causes

The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Some of the most commonly proposed causes of PCOS include:

- Hormonal imbalances: PCOS is characterized by an imbalance of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, as well as an overproduction of androgens (male hormones) which can lead to symptoms such as hirsutism, acne and menstrual irregularity.

- Insulin resistance: Many women with PCOS have a resistance to the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance can lead to an increase in insulin levels, which can then lead to the overproduction of androgen hormones, exacerbating the symptoms of PCOS.

- Inflammation: Inflammation is thought to play a role in the development of PCOS, due to its impact on the body's hormonal balance and its ability to affect the ovaries.

- Genetics: PCOS tends to run in families, which suggests a genetic component to the disorder. Some studies have identified genetic variations that may be associated with PCOS.

- Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and exposure to certain chemicals may also play a role in the development of PCOS.

It's important to note that the cause of PCOS can vary from person to person and it's a multifactorial disorder.

PCOS Risk Factors

There can be many risks for developing PCOS. These risk factors might include:

- Family history: PCOS tends to run in families. Women with a family history of PCOS are at a higher risk of developing this disorder.

- Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance is a common feature of PCOS. Women who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk for developing PCOS, since they are more likely to develop insulin resistance.

- Ethnicity: Women of certain ethnic backgrounds, such as Hispanic, African-American, and Native American women, are at a higher risk for developing PCOS.

- Age: PCOS is most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 18 and 44.

- Metabolic syndrome: Women with metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes) are at a higher risk of developing PCOS.

- History of gestational diabetes: Women who have had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) have an increased risk of developing PCOS.

PCOS Symptoms

PCOS symptoms can vary, but some of the most common symptoms include:

- Irregular or infrequent menstrual periods: Women with PCOS may experience irregular periods or no periods at all.

- Excess hair growth: PCOS can cause an increase in the levels of androgen hormones, which can lead to excess hair growth, particularly on the face, chest, and back.

- Acne: Elevated androgen levels can also lead to acne.

- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight: Insulin resistance, a common feature of PCOS, can make it difficult to lose weight and may lead to weight gain.

- Infertility: PCOS can cause irregular ovulation, which can make it difficult for women to get pregnant.

- Darkened skin patches: PCOS can cause dark patches of skin, particularly on the neck, in the groin, and under the breasts.

- Headaches: PCOS is a common cause of headaches in women.

- Sleep apnea: PCOS has been associated with sleep apnea, characterized by disrupted breathing during sleep.

It's important to note that not all women with PCOS experience all of these symptoms and the symptoms can vary in severity.

PCOS Diagnosis

The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is based on a combination of symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory tests. There are no specific tests to diagnose PCOS, and it is a clinical diagnosis, which is made by a healthcare professional based on the patient's medical history, symptoms, and test results.

The diagnostic criteria for PCOS according to the Rotterdam consensus workshop (2003) include the presence of at least two of the following three criteria:

- Irregular menstrual cycles: This can be defined as cycles that are longer than 35 days or fewer than eight cycles per year.

- Increased levels of androgen hormones: This can be detected through a blood test to measure levels of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and androstenedione.

- The presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries: This can be detected through a pelvic ultrasound, which shows the ovaries as enlarged with multiple small follicular cysts.

Other diagnostic criteria that are considered in the diagnosis of PCOS include:

- Clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (excess of male hormones) such as hirsutism, acne, or alopecia.

- Polycystic ovaries appearance in an ultrasound, which shows 12 or more follicles measuring 2 to 9mm in diameter or the ovary's volume exceeding 10mL

- Insulin resistance, which is measured through a glucose tolerance test and a fasting insulin level.

Natural Treatments for PCOS

There are several natural treatments that can be used to manage the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Click on natural treatments for PCOS to find a detailed list of all the natural solutions to treat and prevent PCOS, including various natural therapies, diet programs, alternative medicine, vitamins, supplements, herbal medicine, and home remedies. You can also use www.aposbook.com to find all the natural treatments for any other condition.

Natural treatments for PCOS might include:

- Exercise and food: keeping up a regular exercise schedule and a nutritious diet will help to control insulin levels, which can help with symptoms like weight gain and hirsutism.

- Herbal supplements: some herbs, including licorice root, saw palmetto, and spearmint, have been proven to have anti-androgen effects and may help to lessen symptoms like hirsutism and acne.

- Vitamin D: vitamin D is important for the regulation of insulin. Some PCOS-afflicted women have been discovered to have low levels of vitamin D.

- Omega-3 fatty acids: omega-3 has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation linked to PCOS.

- Probiotics: some good bacteria can help increase insulin sensitivity and control the gut flora.

- Acupuncture: this traditional Chinese medicine has been found to be helpful in reducing the symptoms of PCOS.

Medical Treatment for PCOS

There are numerous medical procedures can be done to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Possible medical remedies for PCOS include:

- Oral contraceptives: These methods are usually advised in order to regulate menstruation and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

- Metformin: This medication enhances insulin sensitivity while managing blood sugar levels.

- Clomiphene: This medication is widely used to trigger ovulation and boost fertility in PCOS patients.

- Anti-androgen medications: These medications such as spironolactone, can be used to treat symptoms like hirsutism and decrease the consequences of too much androgen.

- Laparoscopic surgery: In some circumstances, ovarian cyst removal or ovulation restoration surgery may be advised.

- Injectable gonadotropins: These drugs are used to trigger ovulation in PCOS-afflicted women who are trying to get pregnant.

However, it’s important to note that the specific treatment plan will depend on the patient's symptoms and general health. Always consult with a healthcare expert before starting any treatment.