PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) One of the most frequent hormonal problems in women nowadays. Kokilaben Ambani Hospital’s senior obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. According to Vaishali Joshi, at least three out of ten women have been diagnosed with it, and six out of ten diagnosed women are adolescents. PCOS is a lifestyle syndrome that includes irregular periods, short menstrual flow, acne, excess body hair, weight gain and darkening of the skin, and hormonal imbalances, including high insulin resistance and high male hormones. Because some of the symptoms are similar, many young women are mistakenly diagnosed with PCOD instead of PCOS. As a result, there are many myths about PCOS.Also read – Smoking in PCOS: How Bad Can It Affect Your Health?
7 facts about Polycystic ovary syndrome that women should stop believing:
Myth 1: All women with PCOS also have PCOD
Dr. According to Joshi, polycystic ovaries are prevalent in 20% of healthy women. On the other hand, not every woman with PCOS has a PCOD ovary on sonography. Also read – Struggling with weight and PCOS? Expert shares 5 helpful tips for weight loss
Myth 2: PCOD causes abdominal pain due to ovulation
PCOD ovaries are small water bubbles (bags) that are grouped in a pearl necklace pattern around the circumference of the ovary. They do not cause any discomfort or pain. Ovarian cysts that cause pain are at least three centimeters in diameter and cannot be detected in PCOD. Also read – 5 helpful tips for weight loss with PCOS
Myth 3: PCOS only affects overweight women
Weight gain is common in women who develop PCOS as a result of poor lifestyle. About 80% to 85% of PCOS women gain weight. PCOS, on the other hand, can affect women of normal weight, especially those with a family history of the condition.
Myth 4: Acne is always caused by PCOS
Acne or pimples on the face can be caused by various factors. One of these is PCOS. The most common causes are skin problems, allergies or dandruff.
Myth 5: Medications can cure PCOS
Medications to treat the symptoms of PCOS are usually based on the required treatment, such as infertility or period regularization. These treatments do not address the underlying problem, so they are not considered therapeutic. PCOS is a lifestyle disorder that can be controlled by regular exercise, dietary changes and weight loss.
Myth 6: PCOS can be completely cured by weight loss
Unfortunately, PCOS is a lifelong disease. By reducing hyperinsulinemia and excess male hormones, at least 10% weight loss will relieve symptoms. Weight loss will be followed by fatigue and constant tiredness.
Myth 7: PCOS makes it difficult for women to conceive
PCOS makes it difficult for women to conceive because it causes anovulation, which prevents the production of one egg per month but does not completely restrict it. PCOS causes irregular and delayed ovulation in women, although they can conceive naturally, Drs. Says Joshi.
