The sign of common condition that affects thousands of Irish women – and you might notice when brushing your hair
OVARY AGONY The sign of common condition that affects thousands of Irish women – and you might notice when brushing your hair
THERE is a sign of a common condition that affects thousands of Irish women that you might notice when brushing your hair.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects how women's ovaries function, impacting their hormones and menstrual cycles.
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The HSE are urging women to know the signs of a common condition
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Polycystic ovary syndrome impacts hormone and periods
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It can cause hair loss and weight gain
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It can also affect fertility and long-term health, potentially leading to serious health problems. However, these issues can often be managed or improved through lifestyle changes.
The condition does not mean that cysts are present on the ovaries. Instead, polycystic ovaries are slightly larger than normal and contain numerous follicles.
Follicles are small, fluid-filled sacs that release an egg during ovulation. However, women with PCOS often cannot release eggs regularly, resulting in irregular ovulation — with ovulation occurring at unpredictable times rather than on a monthly basis.
The Health Service Executive state that many women have polycystic ovaries without necessarily having PCOS. Ovaries that appear polycystic are also considered normal in teenagers.
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There are six key symptoms to watch for:
Irregular periods or no periods at all
Excess body or facial hair
Weight gain
Thinning hair and hair loss (alopecia)
Oily skin or acne
Difficulty in becoming pregnant
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is thought to have a genetic link and may run in families.
Two primary factors may contribute to the condition: insulin resistance and hormone imbalance.
I'm living with PCOS and it's a nightmare - I constantly have hairs growing on my neck and chest every day
You may be diagnosed with PCOS if you are an adult and meet at least two of the following criteria:
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Irregular, infrequent, or no periods at all
Excess hair growth on your face or body, or high levels of testosterone in your blood
An ultrasound scan showing polycystic ovaries
Currently, there is no cure for PCOS, but its symptoms can be managed.
Individuals with PCOS can improve their symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term health issues by making lifestyle changes.
There are also medications available to treat symptoms such as excess hair growth, irregular periods, and fertility problems.
Although PCOS can contribute to fertility issues, it is still possible to conceive, even if you do not experience regular periods. However, the condition may increase the risk of miscarriage or pregnancy complications, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
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FUTURE HEALTH RISKS
Despite the treatment available, the condition will increase your chances of developing other health problems in the future.
These include: type 2 diabetes
high blood pressure
depression and mood swings
high blood pressure and high cholesterol - which can lead to heart disease and stroke
sleep apnoea - interrupted breathing during sleep
weight gain
endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb) - this is more likely if you carry excess weight and have irregular periods
FERTILITY WITH PCOS
The condition can be a cause of fertility problems but you may still become pregnant even if you do not have periods.
It can increase your chance of miscarriage or medical complications, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, during pregnancy.
However, there are ways to reduce the risk of complications, including trying to keep a healthy weight.
Quitting smoking, eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly can significantly reduce the risks.
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Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce these risks, including maintaining a healthy weight.
Quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly can significantly improve outcomes.
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