Jillian Michaels: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Health and fitness expert Jillian Michaels has suffered from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) since she was a teenager. It has been over 30 years, and she has found the key to resisting its adverse effects: a proper diet. 

She first found out she had PCOS after a cyst burst inside her. After the second cyst burst at the age of 21, she decided to take matters into her own hands and attack the root of the problem. She changed her diet completely and made her body more sensitive to insulin. 

While this was Jillian’s way, not everyone is capable of changing their lifestyle completely. As specialists, you need to know everything about this condition. And that is exactly what we’re here to do. In this blog post, we shall go through everything related to PCOS. 

Let’s begin. 

What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is a condition where the body experiences hormonal imbalance. This imbalance occurs when the ovaries produce unusually large amounts of hormones called androgens. This, in turn, imbalances the reproductive hormones within the body. 

This is the reason why people with PCOS have irregular periods and unpredictable ovulation. This is one of the most common causes of infertility in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). 

PCOS can begin anytime after puberty. Most of the cases are diagnosed in people who are in their 20s and 30s and trying to conceive. Obesity and hereditary factors can increase the chances of developing PCOS.

What are the signs and symptoms of PCOS?

Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of PCOS:

Irregular periods - Patients with PCOS can suffer from abnormal menstruation that involves missing periods or not having a period at all. It can also involve heavy bleeding during periods. 

Abnormal hair growth - Patients experience excess facial hair growth or heavy growth on arms, chest and abdomen. About 70% of patients with PCOS suffer from this condition. 

Acne - Patients also experience ace on their back, chest and facial areas. This acne might continue past the teenage years and be difficult to treat. 

Obesity - Between 40% and 80% of people with PCOS are obese. These people have difficulty maintaining a healthy body weight. 

Skin Darkening - Patches of dark skin appear in the folds of the neck, armpits, groin and under the breasts. This is known as acanthosis nigricans. 

Cysts - Most people have ovaries that appear to be larger than normal or with many follicles on scanning with ultrasound. 

Skin tags - these are little flaps of extra and are often found in the armpits or the neck. 

Hair thinning - Patients with PCOS might start to lose patches of hair on their heads or start to go bald. 

Infertility - PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. 

Let’s pause a moment here because what we have next will help you immensely.

Given below is a video by our superstar faculty Dr. Prassan Vij explaining PCOD. In the video, he begins by talking about PCOS basics

Although the video was originally meant for NEET-PG and INI-CET students, this will be equally helpful for SS aspirants. 

Check it out. 

What are the causes of PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown, but there is evidence that genetics play a role. Several other factors, like obesity, also play a factor in causing PCOS. 

Here are some of the known causes of PCOS:

High levels of a male hormone called androgens

High androgen levels prevent the body from releasing eggs, and it causes irregular menstrual cycles. Irregular ovulation also causes small sacs filled with fluid to develop on the ovaries. Other conditions are acne and excess hair growth. 

Insulin resistance

An increase in insulin levels also causes the ovaries to release male hormones called androgens. This, in turn, suppresses ovulation and contributes to other symptoms of PCOS. Insulin resistance means that the body fails to produce insulin properly, and this leads to high glucose levels in the blood. Insulin resistance can lead to diabetes. 

Low-grade inflammation 

Chronic low-grade inflammation is a condition that affects patients with PCOS. 

Next, let us look at the treatment options for PCOS. 

What are treatment options for PCOS?

The treatment for PCOS depends on what the patient wants, her lifestyle, medical history and other health conditions. 

Here are some of the treatment methods for PCOS:

• Birth control
• Metformin
• Clomiphene
• Hair removal medication
• Surgery
• Diet & lifestyle changes 

And that is everything you need to know about PCOS. 

Before we conclude, did you know that television personality and TV show host Elisabeth Hasselback suffered from Celiac disease? Interesting fact: she diagnosed it herself. 

You can read more about Celiac Disease by clicking on the link. 

Keep following our blog for exciting posts like Jillian Michaels and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), preparation tips, exam strategies and more. 

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