PCOS – TheNewsHub https://thenewshub.in Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:36:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7 Weight Loss Can Help You Manage PCOS Symptoms: Study https://thenewshub.in/2024/11/05/weight-loss-can-help-you-manage-pcos-symptoms-study/ https://thenewshub.in/2024/11/05/weight-loss-can-help-you-manage-pcos-symptoms-study/?noamp=mobile#respond Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:36:00 +0000 https://thenewshub.in/2024/11/05/weight-loss-can-help-you-manage-pcos-symptoms-study/

Weight loss could help one manage symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including frequency of menstrual cycles, according to a study. The condition affects one in eight to 10 women globally during their reproductive ages and is marked by higher-than-usual testosterone levels. The symptoms include irregular periods and excess weight gain.

Researchers at the University of Oxford, UK, reviewed trials across scientific research databases, such as ‘MEDLINE’ and ‘Embase’, to understand how losing weight impacts one’s PCOS symptoms. The trials compared interventions aimed at reducing weight in people with PCOS, results from which were published in studies. Weight loss interventions were associated with significantly greater improvements in HOMA-IR (measures insulin resistance), free androgen index (measures free testosterone in blood) and period frequency, the authors said in the study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

In the review, the researchers looked at how weight loss interventions impacted women’s metabolic, hormonal and gynaecological markers, along with quality of life. This was compared to women who were offered no additional care or support other than being advised to lose weight. The interventions that the researchers analysed included behavioural ones, such as diet changes and physical activity, and licensed weight loss pharmacotherapy.

The findings suggested that losing weight could be an effective tool for managing PCOS symptoms in clinical settings, the authors said. Clinicians could use the study’s results to counsel patients having PCOS about the improvements in biological markers following weight loss and direct them towards appropriate interventions, they said.

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Irregular Periods: Not Always a Sign of PCOS https://thenewshub.in/2024/10/22/irregular-periods-not-always-a-sign-of-pcos/ https://thenewshub.in/2024/10/22/irregular-periods-not-always-a-sign-of-pcos/?noamp=mobile#respond Tue, 22 Oct 2024 07:21:15 +0000 https://thenewshub.in/2024/10/22/irregular-periods-not-always-a-sign-of-pcos/

PCOS affects women in a variety of ways, thus, symptoms may vary.

While irregular periods can be a symptom of PCOS, they can also result from various other causes

Irregular periods do not automatically indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). While irregular menstrual cycles are a common symptom of PCOS, many other factors can contribute to menstrual irregularities, and not all women with irregular periods have PCOS.

Dr Gandhali Deorukhkar, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central shares all you need to know:

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age and is characterized by irregular periods, high levels of androgens (male hormones), and the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. However, other factors can also lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Stress, for example, is a common culprit, as both emotional and physical stress can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, leading to temporary changes in menstruation. Significant weight fluctuations, whether rapid weight gain or loss, can also affect hormone levels and contribute to irregular cycles. Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), are another common cause of menstrual irregularity. Additionally, excessive exercise, particularly when combined with low body fat, can disrupt the menstrual cycle, and changes in hormonal contraceptive use can also temporarily affect period regularity.

If irregular periods are accompanied by other common signs of PCOS, such as weight gain, acne, thinning hair, or difficulty conceiving, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. Diagnosing PCOS typically involves assessing a combination of symptoms, performing blood tests to check hormone levels, and conducting an ultrasound to examine the ovaries.

In conclusion, while irregular periods can be a symptom of PCOS, they can also result from various other causes. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to determine the underlying reason for irregular periods and ensure appropriate treatment.

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