Your Guide to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

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Your Guide to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
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The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. However,
multiple factors can tribute to its development,
including heredity, low grade inflammation and
insulin resistance. 
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Women at Risk of PCOS
Women in their reproductive years are affected by
PCOS. It is usually diagnosed after puberty, when
women are between the ages of 20 and 30 years.
Those women who are overweight or have a family
history are at a higher risk of getting PCOS.
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Complications 

• Difficulty in conceiving 
• Abnormal Uterine bleeding 
• Miscarriage or premature birth
• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus or high blood
  glucose during pregnancy  

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Symptoms

• Irregular menstrual cycle 8 or fewer menstrual
  cycles in a year, cycle of more than 35 days or
  erratic bleeding including heavy periods. 
• Hirsutism Too much hair growth over face, chin,
  or parts of body where usually men have hair.
• Acne on the face, chest, and upper back 
• Hair Thinning or hair loss on the scalp, similar
  to baldness in men

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Diagnosis

• Physical Exam discussion about your menstrual
  periods, changes in weight, excess hair growth,
  insulin resistance and acne.
• Pelvic Exam
• Blood Tests recommend to measure hormone levels,
  glucose tolerance and others, as deemed
  appropriate. 
• Ultrasound to examine your ovaries and thickness
  of uterine lining. 

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Treatment
Your doctor will discuss the management of each
of the concerns, including infertility /
conceiving, hirsutism, acne and / or obesity. It
may be a combination of medications and lifestyle
changes. Consult your doctor for detailed
information.
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Food to be Included in Your Diet

• Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli,
  cauliflower, cabbage
• Leafy Greens / lettuce, green and red peppers
• Beans, lentils and Pastas
• Almonds and other nuts
• Whole wheat flour
• Lean protein sources like chicken, and fish dont
  provide fiber but are very filling and a healthy
  dietary option 

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Food to be Avoided

• White bread
• Muffins, pastries, Sugary desserts
• Anything made with white flour
• Pasta noodles that list semolina, durum flour, or
  durum wheat flour as their first ingredient are
  high in carbohydrates and low in fiber. 
• inflammation-causing foods, such as fries,
  margarine, and red or processed meats 

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Visiting a Doctor
If you are experiencing irregular menstrual
periods, problems conceiving, excessive hair
growth, and / or weight gain, please visit your
doctor for immediate disease management plan. 
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Facilities Available at the Aga Khan University
Hospital (AKUH)

• Consultation with our Gynaecologist,
  Endocrinologist and Nutritionist experts
• Specialized laboratory package for PCOS
• Fertility treatment, excluding IVF
• Advance testing and diagnostic services for
  accurate reliable treatment plan. 

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To read more details, visit this link
https//hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/AboutUs/News/Pa
ges/guide-to-pcos.aspx