PCOS Lowdown
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It's a bit of a mouthful, but basically, it's a common condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work. In a nutshell, PCOS is like a hormonal party that's gotten a bit out of hand. It can mess with your cycle, make you break out, and sometimes make baby-making a bit more challenging.
Here's the lowdown:
Hormonal Rollercoaster: Women with PCOS often have higher levels of androgens, which are male hormones that women also produce but in smaller amounts. This hormonal imbalance messes with the normal release of eggs.
Symptom Squad: PCOS comes with a bunch of sidekicks like acne, weight gain, and sometimes, extra hair where you don't want it due to the elevated androgen levels.
Ovarian Dynamics: In a typical menstrual cycle, the ovaries release an egg each month in a process called ovulation. In PCOS, ovulation may not occur regularly due to an imbalance in the levels of sex hormones, especially androgens like testosterone.
Cyst Situation: The name "polycystic" might make you think of cysts, but it's a bit misleading. In PCOS, the ovaries might have small, fluid-filled sacs (follicles), but these aren't exactly cysts. It's more about the eggs not maturing and hanging out in the ovaries.
Insulin Resistance: Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Some women with PCOS have insulin resistance, where their bodies don't respond as effectively to insulin. This can lead to an increase in insulin production, which, in turn, can boost androgen production, creating a hormonal loop that exacerbates PCOS symptoms.
Period Drama: Irregular periods are a common feature. Sometimes, the eggs don't pop out regularly, leading to irregular or missed periods.
Weight Management Challenges: There's a link between PCOS and weight gain, although not all women with PCOS are overweight. Insulin resistance can contribute to weight gain, and losing weight can sometimes help manage PCOS symptoms.
Fertility Quest: The irregular release of eggs or the lack of ovulation can contribute to fertility issues. Since the eggs may not mature or be released regularly, it can be challenging for women with PCOS to conceive.
But the good news is that with the right lifestyle tweaks and sometimes medication, many women with PCOS lead perfectly normal, healthy lives. Diet and exercise can make a big difference. Managing weight and staying active can help keep symptoms in check. It's important to note that PCOS can vary widely among individuals. Not all women with PCOS will experience the same symptoms or to the same degree. The approach to management should be tailored to each person's specific situation.
The internet is overwhelmed with information on PCOS, however, at least for me, I needed someone to guide me through making sustainable and healthy choices. Empowering me to make discussion that would support my PCOS and holding me accountable when making the right habits for my PCOS type.
If you are looking for support and a follow Cyster to guide you through taking back control of your symptoms and body confidence, take a look at my PCOS Wellness Program.
