Common Symptoms, Diagnosis of PCOS & Lifestyle Changes to Reduce the PCOS Complications
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorders in female
- Affects 1 in 10 women
- 70% of the women with PCOS are undiagnosed
- 50% of the women with PCOS develop type II diabetes by the age of 40
- PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility
Common Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Irregular, heavy or absent menstrual cycle
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Excessive hair growth on face and body
- Male pattern baldness
- Acne/Oily skin
- Mood changes
- Poor sleep
- Depression/Mood swings
*Note: not all women will experience the same symptoms
How is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(PCOS) diagnosed?
A diagnosis of PCOS is usually made when the women have any two of the following:
- Irregular, infrequent or no period
- More facial or body hair than is usual and/or blood tests show higher testosterone levels than normal
- Ultrasound scan which shows polycystic ovaries
How to reduce Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(PCOS) complications?
The main ways to reduce the overall risk of long-term health problems is to have a healthy lifestyle
1.Healthy balanced diet
- Choose complex carbohydrate such as wholegrains foods(such as whole meal bread, whole grain cereals, brown rice, and whole-wheat pasta)
- Maintain healthy blood sugar level
2.Be active
- Engage in a regular exercise can :
- Prevent insulin resistance and avoid developing diabetes
- Keep your weight under control
3.Aim to maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce insulin and androgen levels
- May restore ovulation
- Improve the chances of pregnancy
- Reduce the risk of endometrial cancer
4.Perform regular health checks
- Women with PCOS above 40 years old: Perform blood sugar test once a year for early
detection of diabetes
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