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Staying Healthy All Year Around

Everyone wants to be healthy. Unfortunately, unless you take active steps to maintain your health, as you get older, it is likely to deteriorate. I discovered this the hard way. For many years, I avoided visiting the doctor and I didn't really pay attention to my diet. As a result, I developed a number of medical conditions. Thankfully, the staff at my local healthcare clinic were able to help me to recover. From the moment I called and booked my first appointment, to the day of my surgery, the doctors and nurses supported me and explained every step of the treatment plan. I hope you like my blog.

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Staying Healthy All Year Around

Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

by Samuel Henderson

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect women during their reproductive years. It's a hormonal condition that causes follicles, which are tiny pouches of fluid, to develop on the ovaries and alters the regularity of eggs being released during a woman's menstrual cycle. The cause of PCOS is not yet fully understood, but there are some factors that doctors believe may contribute to the development of this condition. Excess insulin may interfere with ovulation by increasing the amount of the hormone androgen in your body. Too much androgen can lead to the development of acne and abnormal hair growth. Additionally, being overweight may contribute to the development of PCOS and there may be a genetic component, so it's worthwhile finding out whether anyone in your family has experienced this condition.

Symptoms Of PCOS

 PCOS can develop early in life when menstruation first begins, or it can develop later in adulthood. You don't have to be experiencing every symptom of PCOS to have the condition, but women with PCOS typically have a few of the commonly associated symptoms. Irregular menstrual cycles are a common symptom of PCOS. This may mean you don't have a period every month, your cycle is longer than a month or your periods are heavy. Enlarged ovaries are another common symptom and this can cause abdominal tenderness or swelling. When male hormone levels are raised you can develop male-pattern baldness and facial hair growth. Additionally, due to the impact on ovulation, PCOS can cause infertility, but, thankfully, it's often treatable.

Diagnosing And Treating PCOS

Your doctor will diagnose PCOS by taking details of your menstrual cycle and evaluating your symptoms. A blood test will be carried out to check your hormone levels and determine whether you have insulin resistance. You may also be referred for a pelvic ultrasound, which can show whether there are any growths on your ovaries or whether they are enlarged.

PCOS symptoms can be managed with lifestyle modifications and medication. If you are overweight, your doctor can refer you to a dietician to support you with a customised weight loss program. Certain birth control pills or synthetic hormones can help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce bothersome symptoms, such as facial hair growth. If you're struggling to conceive, your doctor may prescribe medication to stimulate your ovaries or balance your hormones.

PCOS can have a significant impact on your quality of life, but treatments tend to be effective at reducing symptoms. So, if you have symptoms associated with PCOS, raise them with your doctor and get the support you need to regulate your menstrual cycle. 

For more information, contact a local women's healthcare centre. 

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