Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age.
There are several types of PCOS an individual can encounter. One such type is Lean PCOS.
This PCOS is a subtype of the hormonal disorder PCOS found among ‘lean’ individuals.
It becomes important to understand its symptoms and treatment options well in order to seek proper medical care.
Let us learn more about the possible signs to lookout for Lean PCOS.
What is Lean PCOS
In most cases, PCOS affects individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI) than normal.
However, this hormonal disorder may also affect people with normal body weights. This type of PCOS is known as Lean PCOS.
This PCOS is less prevalent in women as compared to overweight or obese PCOS.
Additionally, the exact symptoms of this PCOS type are still unclear due to the limited research on this subject.
Therefore, it is often harder to diagnose and treat than typical PCOS.
Let us delve into the current knowledge surrounding this particular PCOS in the following sections.
Lean PCOS vs. PCOS
Individuals affected with Lean PCOS may experience certain symptoms similar to general PCOS symptoms.
These symptoms include acne, mood swings, and excessive hair growth.
Also, people affected by PCOS show similar metabolic profiles and visceral fat deposits regardless of their subtype.
However, weight gain, which is a common symptom of PCOS, is not associated with Lean PCOS.
Furthermore, individuals with Lean PCOS may show different physical characteristics and hormonal profiles in comparison to those with Obese PCOS.
Research suggests that women with Lean PCOS may have lower risks of developing type-2 diabetes as compared to overweight or obese women.
Some studies also debate that the women with Lean PCOS may experience lower levels of insulin resistance and visceral fat deposits.
Lean PCOS Treatment
The treatment methods for Lean PCOS are identical to typical PCOS treatments.
Additionally, individuals affected with this PCOS should include proper diet and workouts in their lifestyle to maintain a normal weight.
Depending upon your condition, you may be prescribed birth control measures or other insulin-sensitizing drugs such as Metformin and Ozempic.
Besides these medications, you may also consider taking additional supplements for PCOS to manage your condition.
Also, it is recommended to include certain food items in your diet to help manage PCOS.
These food items include fresh fruits, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
To learn more about the diet to follow for PCOS, read Can A Healthy PCOS Diet Make A Difference?
Furthermore, certain food items should be avoided with PCOS to manage insulin resistance in the body.
It is important to note that PCOS may show up differently in each individual.
Therefore, it is vital to consult a doctor to get a personalized treatment plan for your PCOS.
Conclusion
Lean PCOS is a rarer subtype of PCOS that affects people with a normal Body Mass Index.
The common symptoms of this PCOS are similar to those of overweight or obese PCOS, including acne, facial hair, and irregular menstrual cycles.
However, this PCOS does not lead to weight gain among individuals.
Due to this reason, losing weight is not a possible treatment option for Lean PCOS, unlike general PCOS.
However, other PCOS treatment methods, such as birth control, insulin-sensitizing medications, and lifestyle changes, also apply to Lean PCOS.
It is important to note that limited research studies are available on this subject.
Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and better understanding of Lean PCOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best exercise for Lean PCOS?
There is no ‘best’ exercise for Lean PCOS, as the impact of exercise on each individual varies significantly.
It is advised to consult a doctor to learn more about suitable workouts for your PCOS.
Is Lean PCOS harder to treat?
Yes, Lean PCOS is often harder to diagnose and treat as compared to standard PCOS. This is because this PCOS may have atypical symptoms or milder manifestations, making it less apparent.
However, most of the treatment options for Lean PCOS are similar to general PCOS treatment methods.
Is it difficult to gain weight with Lean PCOS?
No, gaining weight with Lean PCOS is not generally difficult. In fact, people with it are able to maintain a normal body weight in most cases.
However, it’s important to note that weight management may vary among individuals depending on their genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
How rare is Lean PCOS?
This subtype of PCOS is significantly rarer as compared to overweight or obese PCOS. A study conducted on women revealed that out of all PCOS-affected women, about 25-30% of women had Lean PCOS.
Is Lean PCOS worse?
No, Lean PCOS is not necessarily worse than obese PCOS. This is because the severity of PCOS may vary among individuals regardless of the subtype.
However, it is generally harder to diagnose and treat it . It is advised to consult a doctor for proper treatment of PCOS.
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