Reliable medical records show that PCOS affects over 5 million women of the reproductive age. Those living with this hormonal endocrine condition exhibit prolonged or irregular periods and unexplained weight gain. At times, the affected finds it hard to conceive.

There is no exact cause of PCOS. However, doctors link it to an elevated production of male hormones, as well as the production of excess insulin. Additionally, some health studies claim that women can inherit Polycystic Ovary Syndrome from their mothers. If left unmanaged, PCOS can lead to multiple health complications. For instance, the condition can increase the risk of type II diabetes, liver inflammation, depression, and endometrium cancer. Furthermore, unmanaged Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.

How does Polycystic Ovary Syndrome present?
PCOS presents with irregular or missed periods, prolonged menstruation, prolonged pelvic pain, and or infertility. In other cases, women with the hormonal condition might experience:
• Male pattern baldness
• Persistent acne
• Unhealthy weight gain
• Oily skin
• Miscarriages
• Excessive hair growth

Is PCOS treatable?
PCOS’ treatment focuses on managing its symptoms to improve the quality of life, and or minimize the risk of detrimental PCOS-related complications. The hormonal endocrine complication has no definite cure.

Some of the common treatments used to manage the condition are:
1. Use of oral contraceptives
Health experts prescribe estrogen and progestin-containing oral contraceptives to regulate the menstrual cycles of women living with PCOS. Oral contraceptives reduce the production of male hormones, and they minimize the risk of endometrial cancer.

2. Use of Metformin
Doctors prescribe Metformin for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome resulting from an increase in insulin. This treatment option stimulates the body’s response to insulin, and it normalizes the menstrual cycle. Moreover, the treatment increases a woman’s fertility rate, and it fuels weight loss.

3. Use of anti-androgen medications
Anti-androgen medications minimize excessive hair growth or hair thinning. Besides, the medicines can prevent acne and other detrimental side effects associated with abnormal levels of androgens.

4. Lifestyle changes
Just like medication, lifestyle changes reduce PCOS related symptoms, and they increase the quality of life. Depending on the patient’s condition, health practitioners might suggest weight loss to control diabetes or diet modification as a way to eliminate excessive blood sugar and weight gain.

5. Ovarian drilling
In some complicated situations, a doctor might recommend ovarian drilling if the other non-invasive treatment options fail. This surgical procedure boosts ovulation, thereby increasing fertility.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women. The hormonal condition reduces fertility, and it increases the risk of detrimental complications like endometrium cancer and type II diabetes. Those affected can use oral contraceptives, anti-androgens, and lifestyle modifications as ways to manage the untreatable hormonal condition.

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