a growing health challenge among our women that unfortunately has low awareness.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which one or both ovaries produce multiple, small cysts and recent screening has revealed that its surprisingly common among women, affecting, to a greater or lesser degree, about 20 % of all women. In Nigeria the problem is growing. Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. That is why it is called polycystic ovary syndrome. The cysts are not harmful but lead to hormone imbalances.
According to Dr. Cristina Meriggiola, For reasons that are not well understood, in PCOS the hormones get out of balance. One hormone change triggers another, which changes another.
For example:
• The sex hormones get out of balance. Normally, the ovaries make a tiny amount of male sex hormones (androgens). In PCOS, they start making slightly more androgens. This may cause you to stop ovulating, get acne, and grow extra facial and body hair.
• The body may have a problem using insulin, called insulin resistance. When the body doesn't use insulin well, blood sugar levels go up. Over time, this increases your chance of getting diabetes.
PCOS SYMPTOMS
Many experience or perhaps only one or two of the characteristic symptoms which include:-
1. Infrequent or absent of Menstrual periods (Amenorrhoea)
2. Weight gain or Obesity
3. Appearance of Musculine symptoms particularly growth of hair on the face or chest ( Hirsutism)
4. Skin problems, including skin tags, darkening skin and acne
5. Thinning hair on the scalp
6. Infertility - . Many women who have PCOS have trouble getting pregnant
Complications of PCOS
The common PCOS symptoms are difficult enough for most women, but some will experience further complications, including:
• Diabetes, elevated insulin levels or insulin resistance
• Heart and blood vessel problems
• Uterine cancer
• Sleep apnea
Each of these problems can be life threatening, which is why treatment for PCOS is so important
DIAGNOSES
To diagnose PCOS, the doctor will:
• Want to know about your past health, symptoms, and menstrual cycles.
• Do a physical exam to look for signs of PCOS, such as extra body hair and high blood pressure. The doctor will also check your height and weight to see if you have a healthy body mass index (BMI).
• Do a number of lab tests to check your blood sugar, insulin, and other hormone levels. Hormone tests can help rule out thyroid or other gland problems that could cause similar symptoms. You may also have a pelvic ultrasound to look for cysts on your ovaries. Your doctor may be able to tell you that you have PCOS without an ultrasound, but this test will help him or her rule out other problems.
TREATMENT
Treatment can be Orthodox or Alternate (Herbal medicine )
ORTHODOX
Polycystic ovary syndrome treatment starts with a proper diagnosis as stated above . Treatments are then chosen based on a woman's symptoms, age and future pregnancy plans. Treatment for PCOS may include:
• Birth control pills to regulate menstruation
• Insulin-sensitizing medications
• Ovulation induction to treat infertility
• Androgen-blocking medications
• Topical anti-hair-growth medications
• Other excess hair treatments
• Treatments for hair loss
• Acne treatments
• Removal of other skin problems
Please consult your Doctor for appropriate advice.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT;
Herbal treatment is also available and very effective with no side effects.
Greenlife Herbal Network has products that can treat PCOS, such as
- Red peony,
- Detoxin,
- Kordy cap
- Pidcare,
- Double Ginseng
- Female cleanser.
Then to assist to restore your ovulation and then be pregnant you will also need products like -
Phoenix,
- Fqui,
- Motherplus and
- women formula 2.
Other products you can use are
– Permata suri and
- Green worlds soypower
Consult us for further advice as each individual cases differ. We can be reach by
Tel: 08188576603 or 08036334603
