Are you experiencing irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, acne, weight gain, or struggling with infertility? You might be dealing with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
This common hormonal disorder affects millions of women globally and can have a significant impact on your daily life.
Let’s discuss the ins and outs of PCOS, from understanding its causes and symptoms to exploring diagnosis and your options for PCOS treatment in Dubai.
Understanding PCOS: What is it?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal and metabolic disorder that affects women of reproductive age.
PCOS is characterized by an irregularity of female sex hormones, causing various symptoms such as irregular periods, excess hair growth, and acne. Despite its name, not all women with PCOS have cysts on their ovaries.
The exact cause of PCOS is still not fully understood, but factors like genetics, insulin resistance, and inflammation are believed to play a role in its development. Women with PCOS often have higher levels of male hormones called androgens.
PCOS can manifest differently in each individual, making it challenging to diagnose. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe, impacting fertility and overall health if left untreated.
Seeking medical advice from a specialized healthcare provider like Dr Aparna Gumma, the best gynaecologist in Dubai for PCOS management, is crucial for proper diagnosis and custom treatment plans tailored to your symptoms.
What Causes PCOS?
The precise causes of PCOS are unknown, several believed contributing factors include:
- Excess insulin. If cells resist insulin's effects, blood sugar levels may increase, and the body may produce more insulin. This could lead to an increase in testosterone, which would disrupt ovulation.
- Excess androgen. Excessive androgen production from the ovaries causes acne and hirsutism.
- Studies have indicated that inflammation present in women with PCOS increases the production of androgens by the polycystic ovaries.
- Another common factor can be genetics.
Symptoms and Causes of PCOS
The symptoms of PCOS are brought on by an imbalance in a woman’s hormones. The symptoms of PCOS can vary from person to person, but some common signs include:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Infertility
- Large ovaries or growth of multiple follicles in ovaries
- Excessive body hair on the back, stomach, and chest (hirsutism)
- Gaining weight, particularly around the abdomen, abdominal obesity
- Greasy skin or cystic acne
- Baldness or hair thinning
- Skin tags are little bits of excess skin found in the armpits or on the neck.
- Darker pigmentation
- Hair fall, male pattern balding
Accurate Diagnosis by a PCOS Specialist Dubai
A precise diagnosis is the crux of determining the root cause and choosing the best treatment path. Dr Aparna Gumma, our PCOS specialist in Dubai, can help with the following:
Comprehensive Medical History
Detailed Patient History:
- Review of menstrual history to identify irregularities.
- Inquiry about symptoms like excessive hair growth (hirsutism), acne, weight gain, and thinning hair.
- Family history of PCOS or related metabolic conditions.
Physical Examination
Thorough Physical Exam:
- Assessment of physical signs such as acne, hirsutism, and scalp hair thinning.
- Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are measured to evaluate obesity and central adiposity.
Diagnostic Tests
Laboratory Tests:
- Hormonal blood tests measure levels of androgens (testosterone), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and insulin.
- Lipid profile and glucose tolerance test to assess metabolic health.
Other hormonal tests may needed
Ultrasound Imaging:
- Pelvic ultrasound helps examine the ovaries for the presence of multiple cysts.
- Evaluation of endometrial thickness.
PCOS treatment in Dubai - What are your options?
Managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and supplements, each tailored to individual needs and symptoms. Below is an integrated approach to treating and managing PCOS:
Lifestyle Changes
- Diet: To help manage insulin levels, incorporate a balanced diet focusing on foods with low glycemic index. Include fruits, vegetables, whole foods such as grains, and lean proteins.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity, including aerobic and resistance exercises, helps reduce insulin resistance and aid in weight management.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight significantly improves PCOS symptoms.
- Stress Reduction: Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness techniques can help manage stress and improve hormonal balance.
- Sleep Hygiene: Aim for 7-9 hours of sound sleep per night to help regulate hormones and improve overall health.
Medications
- Metformin: Used to improve insulin resistance, which can help with weight loss and ovulation.
- Anti-Androgens: Medications like spironolactone can reduce excessive hair growth and acne.
Supplements
- Inositol: Often recommended to help improve insulin sensitivity and ovulation.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Can help reduce insulin levels and may improve lipid profiles.
- Vitamin D: Many women with PCOS are deficient in vitamin D; supplementation can help improve menstrual frequency and metabolic markers.
- Magnesium: This supplement may help reduce insulin resistance and metabolic symptoms associated with PCOS.
Alternative Therapies
- Acupuncture: Helps improve PCOS symptoms by balancing hormone levels, reducing weight, and managing stress.
- Herbal Treatments: Certain herbs, like spearmint tea, may reduce androgen levels and improve symptoms like hirsutism.
Remember that finding the right combination of lifestyle changes and medications is unique to each individual with PCOS. Consult Dr Aparna Gumma – best PCOS doctor in Dubai.
The Link Between PCOS and Infertility
One significant aspect often associated with PCOS is its link to infertility. Due to hormonal imbalances and irregular ovulation in women with PCOS, getting pregnant can be challenging.
Infertility issues related to PCOS can stem from anovulation, where the ovaries don’t release eggs regularly or at all. This can make conception difficult without proper medical intervention.
Additionally, high levels of androgens in women with PCOS may impact egg quality and disrupt the menstrual cycle, further affecting fertility.
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The Best Gynaecologist in Dubai for PCOS
If you or someone you know is struggling with PCOS, it’s essential to seek help and support from a knowledgeable healthcare provider.
Dr Aparna Gumma is renowned as the best female gynaecologist in Dubai for PCOS treatment. With her compassionate care, you can develop personalized treatment options according to your symptoms.
Find a solution with Dr Aparna Gumma – one of the best PCOS doctors in Dubai.
