PCOD Symptoms

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Do You Have to Take Steroids If You Have PCOS?

Steroid hormones for PCOD or polycystic ovarian disease may be one treatment option available to women with the condition, but only your doctor can provide you with medical guidance. Women with PCOD typically experience a disruption in hormones caused by ovarian cysts. This disruption can go on to affect insulin, mood, skin health, hair health and more. Steroid hormones for PCOD may help the body to achieve balance, but this treatment may not work for every woman diagnosed with PCOD.

How Do Steroids Help Women With PCOD?

Steroid hormones can boost the body’s natural production of hormones or replace hormones that may be limited due to PCOD. This approach to PCOD treatment may require ongoing steroid therapy, but only your doctor can provide you with expectations. For some women, treatment with steroids is only required during a flare-up of symptoms, but for others, regular treatment appointments with an endocrinologist may be required.

Other Treatment Options for PCOD

If steroids are not recommended by your doctor to treat your PCOD, other options may be available. Although there is no cure for PCOD, certain prescription and over-the-counter medications may help. Additionally, eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of regular exercise can be beneficial in alleviating the side effects of PCOD.

In general, women will want to get daily exercise and eat a diet rich in whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables for the best results. Avoid eating sweets and processed foods or greasy, fatty foods. These can contribute to the worsening of PCOD symptoms, so limit them when possible.

If you take any over-the-counter medications, discuss these with your doctor. Additionally, you will want to talk to your doctor about any major lifestyle changes you make or plan to make. Certain healthcare conditions may be aggravated by strenuous exercise, and you may have dietary restrictions that need to be taken into account.

Disclaimer: Always talk with your doctor about health conditions. The above is presented as information only and is not intended to serve as medical advice.

Read a similar article about weight loss and PCOD here at this page.

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Can I Get Pregnant If I Have PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a relatively common disorder that affects about 10 percent of women during their childbearing years. This condition can cause many unique symptoms and issues. One of the most worrying is low fertility. PCOS is one of the most widespread causes of infertility in women.

But contrary to popular belief, pregnancy with PCOS is possible.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a condition that causes an imbalance of reproductive hormones. That imbalance causes issues within the ovaries. Women can develop fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries, and hormonal changes can affect how the ovaries produce eggs. With PCOS, eggs might not develop. If they do, they may not be released during ovulation.

Experts don't know the exact cause of PCOS. However, several factors may play a role in the condition's development. One common theory is high levels of androgens, male sex hormones. Another potential cause is high insulin levels.

There are many PCOS symptoms. Many women find out they have PCOS when they're trying to get pregnant and encounter fertility issues. However, symptoms can point to this condition much earlier. The most common symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles. In many cases, periods will stop for several months or years.

Many women also experience weight gain, excessive hair growth throughout the body, acne and thinning hair.

Pregnancy with PCOS

PCOS makes it difficult to get pregnant because it interferes with ovulation. The condition impacts how eggs develop and move from the ovaries. In some cases, it stops eggs from growing properly due to the hormonal imbalances. Then, PCOS can prevent ovulation. When the eggs don't release, it's impossible to get pregnant.

There's still a chance, but infertility is common in women with PCOS. For those who do get pregnant, many risks exist. Women with PCOS have a higher risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Babies born to women with PCOS also often need newborn intensive care.

Fortunately, there are options available if you have PCOS and want to get pregnant. This condition is manageable, and many fertility treatments can substantially increase your chances of conceiving.

Read a similar article about polycystic ovary syndrome specialists here at this page.

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How Common is Lean PCOS?

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a relatively common condition that affects women across the world. If you’ve heard of PCOS, you may already know that the condition is caused by ovarian cysts that can affect hormone levels. PCOS also produces side effects like weight gain, and this common complaint among women with PCOS is one of the more challenging aspects of the condition.

What you may not have heard of is lean polycystic ovary syndrome. This is a type of PCOS in which ovarian cysts still cause hormone challenges, but in lean polycystic ovary syndrome, a woman’s weight is not affected.

Is Lean PCOS Less Impactful?

Although lean PCOS does not lead to weight gain, many of the same side effects found in traditional PCOS still affect those with the condition. Oily skin, thinning hair and infertility are healthcare challenges in lean PCOS just like in traditional PCOS. Both conditions are also caused by the same disruption in hormone production and regulation.

Why Does Lean PCOS Matter?

Because these two conditions are virtually identical, you may wonder why there’s even a need to differentiate between them. The issue with lean PCOS is that it can complicate a diagnosis, potentially leading to improper treatment.

As weight gain is a hallmark of traditional PCOS, women with lean PCOS may not be suspected of having the condition. A doctor who meets with a woman suffering from lean PCOS may overlook the other side effects and remove PCOS entirely from their differential diagnosis because weight gain is not present. They may even misdiagnose a woman with a different condition and even prescribe unnecessary medications.

Exercise and Diet Are Still Important

Even though a woman with lean PCOS may not experience weight gain, a proper diet and exercise remain important. Talk to your doctor if you suspect you have lean PCOS, and document your symptoms so you can keep track of changes. This documentation can be helpful if you have lean PCOS as it can direct your physician to the correct diagnosis.

Read a similar article about Glycomet Medication here at this page.

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3 Medications You May Be Prescribed if You Have PCOD

Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) is a medical condition that can lead to several side effects in women, including fertility challenges and weight management problems. If you have been diagnosed with PCOD, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce symptoms.

Below are three common medication options for PCOD that may help:

1. Metformin

Metformin is a generic diabetes medication that helps to reduce total blood glucose (sugar) by decreasing the amount of glucose absorbed by the body and processed in the liver. Women are sometimes prescribed metformin for PCOD because the condition tends to cause trouble with weight management and blood glucose processing due to hormone imbalances.

When a woman is prescribed metformin for PCOD, this doesn’t necessarily indicate that she has diabetes, but this can be a concern as well. Diabetes can come along with PCOD, and some women may develop diabetes as a result of the condition before discovering that PCOD is part of the cause.

2. Avandia

Avandia (rosiglitazone) is a medication that is usually prescribed to treat PCOD symptoms when a woman is experiencing infertility. Avandia is designed to induce ovulation, and it is often used as a first-line medication for women who are having difficulty getting pregnant naturally.

PCOD often causes fertility issues in addition to problems with weight management and blood sugar. When used as prescribed by your doctor, Avandia may make it easier for women with PCOD to get pregnant, but the medication does not stop other PCOD symptoms.

3. Femara

Femara (letrozole) is a breast cancer drug that is also used to stimulate fertility, and it works by lowering estrogen levels. Although this may sound counter-intuitive in a woman who has low estrogen due to PCOD, Femara stimulates other hormones that increase fertility.

If you are prescribed Femara, the risk of developing osteoporosis may increase. As a result, it’s important to stay on top of all follow-up appointments with your doctor to ensure your body is healthy.

Disclaimer: The above information is presented for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Only your doctor can guide you in treating a medical condition.

Read a similar article about testosterone and PCOS here at this page.

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2 Best Diets for People With PCOS

There are several ways to get relief from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but many doctors recommend following a healthy diet as one of the most effective treatments. PCOS, also known as polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), is often affected by a woman’s diet. As such, finding the right blend of nutrition can sometimes reduce or eliminate some symptoms of PCOD.

While you’re encouraged to speak with your doctor before making any changes to diet or lifestyle, here’s a handy diet guide for PCOD that provides some pointers:

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

An anti-inflammatory diet made it into this diet guide for PCOD because the condition tends to be exacerbated by inflammation. It should be noted that general inflammation in the context of PCOD is not the same as external inflammation. Even slight amounts of inflammation inside the body can trigger strong reactions. An anti-inflammatory diet aims to reduce hormonal activity that causes oxidative stress. In doing so, weight gain that is typical of PCOD sufferers is usually lessened.

Foods to consider include: Olive oil, leafy green vegetables and salmon or tuna

Low-Sodium Diet

Sodium (salt) is known to cause inflammation by affecting the body’s immune response. Additionally, women who already have hypertension or heart disease as a result of being overweight may experience greater symptoms of PCOD when they take in too much salt.

When trying to limit your sodium intake, it’s important to read labels carefully. Many foods, including those you might not suspect contain salt, often include portions of sodium. You may also need to work with your doctor to find the appropriate level of sodium for your unique case of PCOD.

Foods to consider include: Fresh fish, dried beans and fruits

Additional Considerations

In addition to the two diets mentioned above, your dietary intake for PCOD should also include plenty of whole grains and hydration. These two elements combined can help keep bloating at bay and may promote healthy weight loss. Also, getting fibre into your diet from other sources may be beneficial.

Disclaimer: The above is not medical advice. Talk with your physician to learn ways you can treat PCOD.

Read a similar article about PCOD symptoms here at this page.

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Should I Tell My Doctor If I'm Having Missed Periods?

A woman’s menstrual cycle plays an important role in overall health, and a regular cycle is often a key factor in becoming pregnant naturally. Also known as a woman’s “period”, the process of menstruating removes unfertilized eggs from the body to allow for viable eggs to take their place. Periods usually occur on a regular cycle each month, but several health conditions can interrupt this cycle.

When a woman misses her period, it may mean that she is experiencing fertility concerns that may interfere with attempts to become pregnant. Missed periods may also signal that something else is going on medically, so women who miss their periods are encouraged to keep track of any additional symptoms they notice and speak with their doctors for a medical evaluation.

Causes of a Missed Period

A missed period is different from a late period. A period may be late due to challenges like stress, but this usually regulates itself once stressors have been removed.

A missed period altogether can mean something more serious is going on. A missed period from PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, can signal that a woman may need to have her ovaries checked for the development of cysts. If you have been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome and have experienced a missed period from PCOS, it’s a good idea to let your doctor know so that your condition can be monitored, and your overall health can be evaluated.

Treatment for a Missed Period

Treating a disruption in a woman’s menstrual cycle will depend on the cause and severity of the medical issue. In the case of PCOS, correcting a woman’s cycle may require changes in lifestyle that include an increase in exercise and a move toward healthy foods. Your doctor can provide you with personal guidance regarding the things you can do to reduce the symptoms of PCOS.

Note: The above is not medical advice. Only your doctor can provide you with medical guidance based on your medical history.

Read a similar article about Hirsutism from PCOD here at this page.

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How Does Yoga Help With PCOS Symptoms?

Yoga has become quite the wellness trend in recent decades, but the practice has been around for thousands of years. Although yoga may not be practised as a heavily spiritual experience in today’s gyms, yoga still provides a lot of health and wellness benefits, especially for women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

PCOS is a medical condition that comes along with several uncomfortable and disconcerting symptoms. Women who experience PCOS symptoms may have an irregular cycle or may feel the effects of weight gain. Problems with oily skin and hair are also common for women with PCOS, and infertility is also a concern.

Yoga to the Rescue

Although yoga is not a cure for PCOS, there is some evidence out there that suggests yoga could help combat PCOS symptoms. You should always consult with your doctor first to find out if yoga for PCOS is right for you, but if you’re given the all-clear, practising yoga a few times a week could reduce symptoms. Even if you’re new to yoga, you can still enjoy its benefits by following along with online videos or working with a dedicated yoga instructor.

How Does Yoga Help PCOS Symptoms?

Yoga for PCOS can result in less stress and greater physical wellness. One of the biggest concerns with PCOS is the potential for cardiovascular disease that often follows the condition. Yoga is known to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, and when combined with a balanced diet, yoga may also improve strength and flexibility. This can lead to more opportunities to stay active.

Yoga may also help to balance hormones that can be thrown off by PCOS. Women who suffer from this condition may experience an increase in testosterone, but yoga may work to reduce testosterone and increase estrogen. These hormones affect mood, mental well-being, physical health and a woman’s menstrual cycle. By balancing these hormones, yoga may improve PCOS symptoms and lead to greater satisfaction with life.

Disclaimer: The above is not to be taken as medical advice. Consult with your doctor to learn the risk and benefits of engaging in yoga with PCOS.

Read a similar article about insulin resistance from PCOD here at this page.

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Should I Get a Fertility Test Done?

For many couples, starting a family is the ultimate milestone. While most have no issues conceiving and bringing a child into the world, infertility can prevent some women from becoming pregnant. It's more common than people think, with up to 15 percent of all couples in the United States experiencing infertility problems.

Infertility can affect both men and women. However, women can experience infertility from PCOD, ovulation issues and many unseen problems. So when is the right time to get a fertility test?

When It's Time to Seek Help

Anyone can get a fertility test at any time. But failing to conceive after a few attempts isn't a cause for concern. Conception is a complex process, and it's not uncommon for couples to try for months before seeing success.

But healthcare providers recommend fertility testing if women cannot get pregnant after trying for a year. If you're over the age of 35, the standard practice is to explore testing after six months of failing to conceive. That's the baseline recommendation. However, other symptoms may compel you to do testing even earlier.

It's wise to seek testing if you have diagnosed reproductive system issues. For example, infertility from PCOD is often a result of the ovaries producing large quantities of immature or partially mature eggs. Problems with the function of the fallopian tubes and uterus also warrant tests.

Testing is also necessary if you have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis and other similar conditions. Even sudden changes in menstruation are a cause for concern. Irregular, heavy, or non-existent periods could point to infertility.

What Does Fertility Testing Involve?

A fertility test aims to understand why you have trouble conceiving. Many possible fertility treatments are available to give you the best chance of success. But employing the right treatments for you requires getting to the bottom of the problem at hand.

During a test, fertility experts will discuss your medical history in depth. They may also perform a series of tests. These can include blood tests to check your hormones, pelvic examinations, ultrasounds to look at your uterus and even minimally invasive surgical procedures like hysteroscopy.

Once your provider identifies the problem, you can explore options to address it.

Read a similar article about infertility symptoms here at this page.

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How to Find Out If I Have PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an ovarian disorder in which hormone imbalances lead to a variety of difficult symptoms. Some women who experience PCOS symptoms go on to have thinning hair or abnormal hair growth, while others will experience a change in their menstrual cycle. Skin outbreaks and acne can also be common side effects of PCOS, but this tends to affect younger women more than older women.

PCOS is believed to affect as much as 20% of the female population across the planet, and Hispanic women are more prone to the metabolic effects of PCOS. The condition is treatable, and symptoms may come and go over time. This means that it’s a good idea to get tested if you’re noticing the symptoms of PCOS.

Testing for PCOS

To find out if you have PCOS, you’ll need to take a test at your doctor’s office. A PCOS test will measure hormone levels along with other blood values to determine whether you’re suspected of having it. This condition is not well understood, but it is a common condition that does not usually pose any severe threat to overall health and wellness.

At-Home PCOS Tests

While the traditional method for PCOS testing is to have a test performed in a doctor’s office, you may also be able to use at home PCOS testing to determine if you’re a candidate for treatment. At home PCOS testing can deliver accurate results, but these tests are not a substitute for your doctor’s advice. If you use an at-home PCOS test, you are encouraged to make an appointment with your physician to discuss the results, regardless of the outcome.

How is PCOS Treated?

PCOS can be treated through various medications and lifestyle adjustments. In some cases, birth control pills can help to regulate hormones to reduce the symptoms. In others cases, diet and exercise changes can help to remove factors that aggravate PCOS. Only your doctor can provide you with guidance, so if you believe that you have PCOS or you’ve been diagnosed, contact your family physician to discuss your options.

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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: How Your Ovaries Can Affect Your Heart

Living with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is tough. Your body produces too many “guy hormone” androgens, resulting in irregular periods, acne and hair in all the wrong places. Plus, you’re battling weight gain. And even if you don’t want kids now, you might think about the future and wonder whether your body will cooperate when it comes to making a baby read more