What incidence of pre-diabetes and diabetes in PCOS?
about Even with normal weight in PCOS insulin resistance does occur, In obese PCOS, there is 3 times increased incidence of pre diabetes. Family history, overweight, and obesity raise diabetes risk in women with PCOS.
What is a normal menstrual cycle?
A sequence of events is followed by the brain, ovaries and uterus associated with changing levels of some hormones. This sequence if normal helps body prepare for pregnancy. Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinising hormone are secreted by the pituitary gland of brain. Two hormones, progesterone and oestrogen are prepared by the ovaries. Normal menstrual occurs about every 25 to 35 days.
What is the 3 menstrual cycle in PCOS?
The menstrual cycles are typically irregular. Ultrasound of ovaries show follicles around the periphery of the ovaries. None of these follicles are known to attain size that results in ovulation. As a result there is imbalance in the levels of pituitary and oestrogen, progesterone hormone levels. There is excess levels of male hormone in PCOS and high levels of insulin.
What are the insulin abnormalities?
PCOS is associated with increased levels of insulin in the blood. Insulin is produced by specific cells in the pancreas. When we eat the blood glucose levels rise and to an extent this is neutralised by excess insulin. In PCOS the high levels of insulin. are not capable of neutralising the high blood glucose after meals. This leads to insulin resistance
What causes PCOS?
Though the cause is not fully understood, it is surmised that abnormal levels of hormones like Latinizing and high levels of male hormones cause symptoms.
What are the tests suggested if you have PCOS?
Blood tests to measure levels of hormones, blood sugar and cholesterol and triglycerides are done. An ultrasound examination of ovaries and uterus is very important to demonstrate polycystic ovaries. Ultrasound of the liver may suggest a fatty liver that is so common in PCOS.
How is PCOS treated?
Regular exercise and weight reduction is an important aspect of treatment. A combination of oral contraceptives, combined with oestrogen and progesterone are most commonly used to regulate menstrual cycles. They also reduce excess facial hair by suppressing of androgen production. Adding spironolactone helps because of its anti-male hormone property. Progesterone administration, hair treatments, and weight loss is also important part of treatment. Metformin reduces insulin levels and makes it more effective in reducing impaired glucose metabolism. Several options are available to treat infertility associated with PCOS.
Author: Dr Jay Deshmukh
Dr Jay Deshmukh is Chief Physician and Director, Sunflower Hospital, Nagpur Honorary Physician to Honorable Governor of Maharashtra and PondicherryCentral. Dr Jay Deshmukh is an M.B.B.S., M.C.P.S., F.C.P.S., M.N.A.M.S., MD From Internal Medicine – Bombay and New Delhi.
