Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that commonly affects women of reproductive age worldwide.
PCOS can affect your physical health as well as mental health. It can cause issues like irregular periods, acne, and Anxiety.
A specific type of PCOS is inflammatory PCOS, which is characterized by high inflammation in the body.
If left untreated, it can lead to problems like infertility.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent these complications.
This article will discuss Inflammatory PCOS in detail, including its causes, symptoms, complications, and treatment.
What is Inflammatory PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common underdiagnosed condition. It affects about 8-13% of women of reproductive age worldwide, of which approximately 70% remain undiagnosed.
Research suggests that inflammation in the body triggers polycystic ovaries to produce Androgens. This leads to hormonal imbalance, thereby resulting in Inflammatory PCOS.
Inflammation in the body occurs as a response to threats like viruses and injuries. It is a complex process meant to protect you while your body heals.
Chronic inflammation occurs when the inflammatory response continues even after your body has healed from an injury or virus. This kind of inflammation usually progresses slowly and may last for months or even years.
Many studies also support that people with PCOS have higher markers of low-grade chronic inflammation than those who do not have PCOS.
What Causes Inflammatory PCOS
Source: nomadsoulphotosIt is established that inflammation has a strong association with PCOS. Let us discuss what causes inflammation in the body that leads to the development of Inflammatory PCOS.
The causes of inflammation in the body may include:
- Oxidative stress
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Psychological stress
- Other lifestyle factors
Though it is already established that inflammation in the body can trigger PCOS symptoms, in many cases, it is not possible to determine the exact cause.
Usually, in such cases, a combination of one or more factors may play a role in developing PCOS or Inflammatory PCOS.
These factors may include insulin resistance, high Androgen levels, and chronic inflammation.
Want to know what other factors commonly trigger PCOS symptoms? Read Understanding the Causes of PCOS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Women.
Inflammatory PCOS Symptoms
Symptoms of Inflammatory PCOS can vary from person to person. Recognizing these symptoms is essential for early diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
- Irregular periods may include missed periods, frequent periods, or no periods at all
- Acne on the face, chest, and upper back is common in people with PCOS
- Thinning hair or loss of hair on the scalp
- Too much hair (Hirsutism) on the face, legs, chin, or other parts of the body
- People with PCOS gain weight or have trouble losing weight
- Ovarian cysts, i.e., formation of cysts on one or both ovaries
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Headaches
You should note that it is not necessary to experience all these symptoms to receive a diagnosis of Inflammatory PCOS.
Seek medical advice if you experience one or more of these symptoms.
Do you also have trouble losing weight because of PCOS? Read How to Lose Weight with PCOS? Navigating Effective Strategies.
Complications of Inflammatory PCOS
Source: natrotLow-grade inflammation in the body may seem like a trivial problem that you expect will go away on its own.
However, for many PCOS patients, this low-grade inflammation is chronic, i.e., it lasts for months or even years and can have several consequences.
Complications of chronic inflammation that is associated with Inflammatory PCOS may include
Infertility: With PCOS, chronic inflammation can cause difficulty conceiving a child. PCOS can also interfere with ovulation, which can lower the chances of the ovaries releasing a healthy egg.
Type-2 Diabetes: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of the women with PCOS develop Type-2 Diabetes by 40.
Heart Disease: People with PCOS are more likely to have heart disease. Oxidative stress can affect your heart over time, while high blood pressure and stroke are also common among PCOS patients.
You should note that it is not necessary that all Inflammatory PCOS patients will have one or more of these complications.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid these complications.
For an in-depth understanding of how PCOS affects your chances of getting pregnant, read Understanding the Link Between PCOS and Pregnancy.
Inflammatory PCOS Treatment
For many people with PCOS, a multifaceted approach to PCOS treatment that includes lifestyle changes as well as medical therapy is the way to go.
Making lifestyle changes such as taking an anti-inflammatory diet and exercise may help.
Exercise: A minimum of 120 minutes of vigorous exercise can help reduce the risk of PCOS complications and manage PCOS.
PCOS workouts like running, swimming, and kickboxing may reduce inflammation, improve insulin resistance, and manage weight.
Anti-inflammatory diet: Inflammatory PCOS can be managed with the help of an anti-inflammatory diet. Such a diet for PCOS often involves avoiding inflammatory foods like dairy products, wheat, processed carbohydrates, and sugary foods.
Anti-inflammatory supplements: Taking nutritional supplements such as Vitamin D supplements, ginger, and fish oil can help improve PCOS symptoms.
Some other common PCOS supplements may include turmeric, cinnamon, flaxseeds, etc.
Medical therapy: Medications like Metformin and Clomiphene are known to induce ovulation and are widely accepted as first-choice treatments.
It is essential to seek medical consultation if you experience PCOS symptoms. Self-medication or treatment can lead to worsening of symptoms and complications like infertility.
Spironolactone is another well-known and widely used medicine for PCOS treatment. If you are wondering how it treats PCOS, read Spironolactone for PCOS: Does it Work?
Final Outlook
Inflammatory PCOS is a hormonal disorder that is a result of chronic low-grade inflammation in the body.
Several factors like stress, Obesity, and smoking can cause Inflammation in the body.
Chronic inflammation can lead to the development of PCOS symptoms like irregular periods, thinning hair, and acne.
If left untreated, Inflammatory PCOS can also cause complications like infertility and Diabetes.
This makes it increasingly important to seek treatment if you experience PCOS symptoms. Treatment generally involves lifestyle changes like an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, and medical therapy.
Seeking medical advice from a professional is essential for effective treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Inflammatory PCOS be cured?
No, Inflammatory PCOS cannot be cured as it is a chronic condition, but its symptoms can be effectively managed.
With the right interventions, individuals can lead healthy lives despite having Inflammatory PCOS.
Can birth control pills help regulate menstrual irregularities in Inflammatory PCOS?
Yes, birth control pills are commonly prescribed to regulate menstrual irregularities in Inflammatory PCOS by addressing hormonal imbalances.
Consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary.
How does Inflammatory PCOS impact insulin levels?
Inflammatory PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance, leading to elevated insulin levels.
Lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication can help manage insulin levels.
How does Inflammatory PCOS impact mental health?
Inflammatory PCOS can influence mental health, contributing to stress and Anxiety. Integrating mental health strategies into the overall management plan is essential for holistic care.
Can Inflammatory PCOS be diagnosed in adolescence?
Yes, Inflammatory PCOS can be diagnosed in adolescence. Early detection allows for timely intervention and management to prevent long-term complications.
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