Diabetes And PCOS

DIABETES AND PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition caused by the circulation of too many androgens, which are male hormones (testosterone).PCOS is also linked to health complications such as diabetes.

What is PCOS?

Women with PCOS have the following signs and symptoms:

  • Insulin resistant; their bodies can make insulin but can’t use it effectively.
  • Increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes.
  • Have higher levels of androgens (male hormones that females also have).
  • Cause can stop eggs from being released (ovulation).
  • Cause irregular periods.
  • Acne.
  • Thinning scalp hair.
  • Excess hair growth on the face and body.
What Causes PCOS?
  • Weight.
  • Insulin Resistance.
  • Family History -Women whose mother or sister has PCOS or type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop PCOS.
How PCOS can lead to prediabetes and diabetes?

It is overweight along with the elevated testosterone levels leading to insulin resistance which could be the link between prediabetes, diabetes and PCOS.

Do You Have PCOS?
  • Irregular menstrual cycles, fewer periods, or no periods at all.
  • Hair growth (hirsutism), which is a growth of dark, coarse hair on places like the face, chin, or chest.
  • Hair thinning or hair loss, may be like male pattern baldness
  • Pelvic pain
  • Infertility or problems getting pregnant
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight. Rarely even weight loss
  • Acne on the chest, chin, back, or other areas of the face.
  • Skin darkening, especially in creases like the armpits and groin.
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Ovarian cysts may or may not be present
Treatment
  • See your doctor if you think you have if you have irregular monthly periods, having trouble getting pregnant, or have excess acne or hair growth.
  • Have a healthy diet, lose weight and go for some exercises