What Happens if PCOS is Not Treated
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects 5-10% of women. It targets the reproductive system of women and typically starts as women have their first period. With PCOS, women produce more of the male sex hormone (androgen) than they should, and this interferes with menstruation and ovulation. This then leads to the formation of ovarian cysts and fertility problems.
Symptoms of PCOS
it varies from person to person, and in some people, there might be no symptoms. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Ovaries that have multiple fluid-filled sacs (polycystic).
- Acne on your face, chest, or back
- Oily skin
- Excess hair on your face, chest, or back (called hirsutism)
- Hair loss or thinning hair
What Happens if PCOS is Not Treated
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles:
Periods are absent or irregular, and when it does come, it comes with heavy bleeding.
- Infertility:
An irregular menstrual cycle, or a lack of one, translates to an absent or irregular ovulation. A lack of ovulation (anovulation) or an irregular one causes fertility issues. The ovaries may not produce eggs for fertilization, and without them, there can be no conception.
- Pregnancy Complications:
If, regardless of the above, a woman can conceive, she might still experience complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.
Gestational diabetes may be due to the body’s insulin resistance, leading to a spike in blood sugar levels that may remain even after childbirth. This might then lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.
- Metabolism Syndrome:
Women with PCOS may experience metabolic syndromes like high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol (dyslipidemia), excess abdominal weight, diabetes, weight gain, and obesity. All of which may predispose them to cardiovascular diseases and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
- Sleep Apnea:
Women with PCOS, especially those obese women, are at a higher risk of sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep.
- Depression and Anxiety:
PCOS affects not only physical health but also mental health. Hormonal imbalance may directly affect psychological functions.
Additionally, the symptoms that have to do with body image (weight gain, acne, hair loss, and hirsutism) and fertility may lead to depression in affected people.
- Hyperandrogenism:
One of the major causes of PCOS is a condition known as hyperandrogenism, characterized by an excessive production of male sex hormones/ testosterone (androgens) in women. This may lead to the manifestation of features like hair thinning, male pattern baldness, and hirsutism. These conditions continue to worsen if not treated.
- Endometrial Hyperplasia and Cancer:
Prolonged irregular menstrual cycles affect the hormonal balance. High estrogen levels due to infrequent ovulation can cause endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the uterine lining).
This results in abnormal bleeding, specifically heavy periods, and may predispose one to endometrial or uterine cancer.
How is PCOS Treated?
While PCOS does not have a cure, symptoms can be managed to increase the quality of life and reduce the risk of other ailments.
Since symptoms and manifestations are diverse, treatment is usually personalized.
But find some of the treatment opportunities for women:
Hormonal birth control pills can be used to regulate periods and reduce the production of androgens.
Therapy can help with the toll on the mental and psychological faculties.
A healthy diet (foods rich in healthy fats and proteins)
Regular exercise can help with lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease by helping to manage a healthy weight and hyperandrogenism.
Infertility can also be managed by taking oral and injected medication to help with ovulation and, thus, fertility.
In instances like this, constant medical monitoring is required to ensure that there are no serious adverse effects.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the treatment measure for women with severe cases of PCOS trying to conceive.
In summary, untreated PCOS can lead to a range of complications affecting reproductive, metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health.
Early diagnosis and comprehensive management are crucial to mitigate these risks and improve overall quality of life.
