Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been known to affect one in ten women or individuals that have uteri. The condition is classified as a hormonal disorder, and it can impact a range of other functions within the body. These include energy levels, digestion, hormonal regulation, and more.
There are currently clinical trials for polycystic ovarian syndrome, in order to understand more about this condition. However, one of the most common things that have been linked with PCOS is weight gain. Here is a look into this and how the two could be related.
PCOS
Firstly, PCOS is categorized by polycystic ovaries, which occur when the ovaries are inflamed. They usually contain fluid-filled sacs known as follicles. These are harmless on their own, but the process of releasing them can be incredibly painful.
The follicles released are the sac where the egg would develop, but someone with PCOS will release multiple of these. As a result of this process, most people with PCOS tend to have irregular periods. This is because of the impact that this condition has on the ovulation process.
Another common symptom that people with PCOS can have is heightened androgen levels. These are normally responsible for facial hair growth, and body hair. In order to be diagnosed with PCOS, an individual must present with at least two of the symptoms above.
Impact On Insulin Resistance
Something that is common amongst hormonal disorders is its ability to impact a range of responses and processes within the body, even those that do not appear to be related. One example of this is that there have been links made between insulin resistance and PCOS.
The body has difficulty getting glucose from food in the correct way. This is normally done by pulling glucose from the bloodstream. In order to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, insulin is needed to help with this process. Unfortunately, this has been known to lead to an over-production of insulin within the body as a method of managing blood sugar levels.
Insulin is known for contributing to weight gain, and it has been linked with PCOS as well as other hormone conditions. Higher levels in the bloodstream can lead to weight gain, irregular periods, development of acne, and body hair growth.
The Role Of Genetics
Although research is limited, there is some early evidence to suggest a genetic link with PCOS. This is because the condition tends to occur in families more frequently. It is believed that there is a genetic mutation responsible for PCOS, that can determine whether someone may develop the condition.
However, there is still a significant amount of evidence that needs to be obtained in order to draw firm conclusions regarding the development of PCOS. Not only that but there is a large gray area in terms of the development of insulin resistance with PCOS.
Potential Solutions
Hopefully, with more research, the prevalence of this condition can be significantly reduced. Considering the different types of secondary health issues which have been linked with PCOS, reducing the number of cases and the condition which is contributing to weight gain and insulin resistance in turn.
For now, potential solutions for the weight gain associated with PCOS is to speak with your doctor about metformin and the possibility of a diabetes check. This medication is typically administered to individuals with diabetes, but it could help keep your insulin levels somewhat controlled.
The suggestion of losing weight is also typically given by healthcare professionals. However, weight gain can be hard to spot when someone has been suffering from PCOS for a long time without necessarily knowing it.
Because of this, it can be challenging to suddenly lose weight. There is a substantial lifestyle change associated with this, and the recommendations for losing weight should come with the suggestion of taking healthier steps towards a healthy lifestyle instead.
Summary
PCOS is a highly complex condition that is commonly overlooked. However, there is a range of issues that this hormonal condition has been associated with which cannot be ignored.
Recent studies have outlined a link between insulin resistance and PCOS. This is believed to be the contributing factor that leads to weight gain in people that are suffering from PCOS.
In spite of this, there is still a great deal of research that needs to go into the different types of health conditions that are linked with PCOS. These include the effects on fertility, the role of certain medications, and particular hormones which may need balancing.
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