Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age, affecting more than 1 in 10 women in India, and its symptoms include: Missing, irregular, infrequent or prolonged periods, and excess androgens that cause acne and unwanted pimples. Girl’s body and facial hair. It increases the risk of other health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure, dark spots and excess skin on the neck and underarms, mood swings, pelvic pain and weight gain, but not all women who suffer from PCOS have cysts. not. ovary.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, nutritionist Nikita Oswal said: This causes a woman’s body to produce more androgenic hormones than it normally would. Women worry about missing or late periods because they contribute to PCOS due to sudden lifestyle changes such as diet, excessive stress, anxiety, night shifts, lack of exercise in daily life .
“PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women worldwide. Not only can PCOS affect a woman’s hormone levels, but it can also affect her appearance. may give you.”
Dr B Gowthami, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Milann Fertility and Birthing Hospital, Kumala Park, Bangalore said: Insulin resistance is believed to be the main trigger for PCOS. This means that the body does not respond normally to insulin, causing insulin secretion from the pancreas to again cause inflammation and weight gain. These high insulins cause anovulation and also stimulate testosterone secretion from the ovaries.”
Effects of PCOS on Skin:
Emphasizing that women with PCOS often face their own unique skin issues that lead to depression and lack of female confidence, nutritionist Nikita Oswal shares some skin issues that can be very distressing. Did.
1. Acne-: Acne-prone PCOS usually appears on the lower parts of the face, such as the jawline, cheeks, chin, and upper neck. Here are some tips related to diet. For example, try incorporating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods such as tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, nuts, salmon, olive oil, berries, and turmeric. Women who have had acne for the first time after puberty or after age 25 should be tested for PCOS.
2. Negroes with acanthosis-: It is a skin condition characterized by a dark brown color, with excess skin showing marked green firmness. It affects the skin folds in the armpits, groin and back of the neck. Insulin resistance and obesity are two factors that lead to this skin condition. Also, in PCOS, the body does not normally respond to insulin, so insulin secretion from the pancreas increases.
3. Hirsutism-: This is the result of excessive release of male hormones, also known as unwanted facial hair, and is very common in PCOS patients. The skin condition mainly affects the chin, chest, thighs and sides.
4. Seborrheic dermatitis-: Seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition, can cause a rash on scales with shiny spaces.It affects areas with a lot of sebum, such as around the nose, between the eyebrows, and behind the ears. . It can also cause oily skin and dandruff.
Similarly, Dr. B Gousami said: It is caused by insulin resistance and obesity. Therefore, PCOS patients may have this type of skin patch. Weight loss and a low-glucose diet and regular exercise can reduce insulin resistance and its symptoms.
She said, “The most common skin problem with PCOS is acne and pimples. It is also due to high androgen levels. PCOS acne is generally resistant to standard acne treatments and may require at least three months of intensive care. There are dandruff from dermatitis and female pattern baldness.”
Effects of PCOS on Hair:
According to nutritionist Nikita Oswal, when a woman’s body begins to produce more androgens during PCOS, it can promote unwanted hair growth, leading to hair loss, which is mainly present on the crown and front of the head. It can lead to thinning hair, but is often ignored until it becomes a major illness. Part of the scalp becomes visible, a very common symptom of PCOS. She listed the most common areas of excess hair growth including:
• above the lips
• Beard position (chin line)
•chest
• lower abdomen
•inner thigh
• waist
Dr B Gowthami said: Also known as hirsutism, it is caused by excessive production of male hormones. Weight loss also works by controlling serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) to control male hormones. In uncontrolled cases, androgen-lowering drugs are available. ”
