Globally, approx. 10% of women and 15% of trans men suffer from PCOS. It is an endocrine system disorder that leads to abnormal production of sex hormones. This imbalance of hormones results in some uncomfortable symptoms like increased insulin resistance, infertility, irregular periods, acne, and rapid hair growth on most unusual parts of the female body. The thing about PCOS is that the exact reason for this problem is not known, which makes diagnosis and treatment a little tricky. The lack of knowledge generates hordes of misinformation and myths. It can easily mislead people and land them in serious medical conditions.
Top 7 Myths About PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
This blog intends to bring awareness about some of the most widespread myths about PCOS and the facts people need to know. So, let’s get started.
Myth 1 – If your periods are irregular, you have PCOS.
Fact: Irregular periods are a sign of PCOS, and yes, women with the disorder may miss their periods for months. The average menstrual cycle falls between 21-35 days and it can vary anywhere between that. But several other factors contribute to the irregularity of periods. Uterine fibroids, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), thyroid disorders, stress, and over-exercise are potential reasons for disturbance in menstrual cycles. The best option is to talk to a gynaecologist who will clarify your doubts after tests and check-ups.
Myth 2 – If you don’t want to get pregnant, it is ok to overlook PCOS
Fact: PCOS is not just about fertility, if it goes unchecked, it can lead to several other problems. One of the most prominent side-effects of PCOS is increased insulin resistance by body tissues. When our body tissues stop accepting the insulin, our pancreas release more insulin to consume high blood sugar, it sets a dangerous cycle that eventually results in type 2 diabetes. Long-term PCOS is also related to fatal diseases like endometrial cancer, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, and sleep apnea. Therefore, it is critical to get it diagnosed on time and start treatment as soon as possible.
Myth 3 – All people who suffer from PCOS have unhealthy eating habits
Fact: That’s not true. Many eat healthily but still suffer from PCOS. Bad eating habits are contributing factors, but that doesn’t mean healthy eating ultimately saves you. PCOS is a hormonal disorder which means it happens due to many reasons. Sometimes, stress or too much sitting or genes can result in PCOS. There are many cases where patients said that they have maintained a healthy diet all their life and still had PCOS. However, this fact should not be used as an excuse to overeat unhealthy carbs and fats.
Myth 4 – Only overweight or obese people suffer from PCOS.
Fact: Another misconception that needs to be busted. If you ever speak to a gynaecologist, she or he will tell you that syndromes are not explicitly related to just bodyweight. Many lean and fit women suffer from PCOS. Bodyweight is related to this disease in multiple ways. It means thin people can also have this problem and, obese people should not be diagnosed with PCOS inaccurately.
Myth 5 – If you don’t have polycystic ovaries, it is not PCOS.
Fact: Many believe that PolyCystic Ovaries are a must to have PCOS. Several cases have come to light where PCOS patients have no cysts in their ovaries. Polycystic ovaries cannot be the sole focus of this disease. There are only three conditions underline PCOS – excess androgen, multiple cysts in ovaries, and irregular periods. PCOS patients have all these three conditions, along with several other symptoms.
Myth 6 – Every woman has unwanted hair at strange places.
Fact: Hirsutism or abnormal hair growth is a common PCOS symptom. Excess quantity of androgen in the system leads to rapid hair growth in most unwanted places like the chest, chin, upper lips, etc. But not every PCOS woman suffers from this symptom. But if there is rapid hair growth in all these body parts, it signifies excess androgen in the bloodstream. That is a vital sign of PCOS.
Myth 7 – PCOS Patients Cannot Get Pregnant
Fact: PCOS is one of the common causes of infertility, but it is not the other way round. But it is possible to get pregnant naturally and through artificial fertility treatments with PCOS. The infertility issue is more familiar with those who overlooked the problem for a long time. So, if your doctor states PCOS as an obstacle in starting your family, don’t lose heart. Ayurveda offers excellent PCOS treatment that can cure the problem for good and get your body back on its natural track. The Ayurvedic treatment for PCOS offers a natural and safe way out of this condition within 3-6 months. Countless women have found relief with Ayurvedic medicines for PCOS and have conceived and delivered their babies safely.
Hope you found this blog informative and interesting. Stay tuned.
