Anshula, the sister of Arjun Kapoor, has always been open about her battles with weight and polycystic ovaries (PCOS). In a recent interview, Anshula discussed her health issues and revealed that she had begun to grow a beard and a moustache. I was not aware of the issue, but my mother suspected something was wrong.
She said, I am a Punjabi and in Punjabi genes have hair all over my body. I used to have a lot of hair on my side cheeks, and one day suddenly I started getting a moustache and beard. After this, hair started growing on my stomach and back too. So, my mother did not find so much hair growth normal in teenagers.
I was overweight and got my period when I was in class 4. I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 13-14 years old. My periods used to last for more than 2 weeks and I used to have a lot of pain in my stomach, back and waist. My mother and I used to keep wondering when this would end. My brother and I used to sleep in the same room for 10 years. After my periods started, my body started developing accordingly, so my mother felt that my room and washroom should be separate. Those were unpleasant experiences, shared Anshula Kapoor.
Anshula was not the only one who suffered with PCOS. This is a difficult situation that many of us girls are experiencing. Now, let’s know about PCOS, its symptoms, and treatment.
What it PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects individuals with ovaries, typically of reproductive age. It is characterized by a range of symptoms and conditions, including irregular menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic issues.
Causes of PCOS
PCOS usually begins in women at the time of the first menstrual period. In many women the symptoms do begin later as well, causing a lot of physical changes like sudden growth of facial and body hair and excruciating period pains. The exact cause is unknown, but contributing factors include:
- Genetics: Many studies and research have also indicated that certain genes might be linked to PCOS. Family history can increase the risk.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Increased insulin levels in the body can lead to excess of the male hormone androgen production. Thus, you may have trouble with ovulation.
- Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and stress may exacerbate symptoms.
Symptoms of PCOS:
PCOS symptoms include irregular or missed periods, excess facial or body hair, thinning scalp hair, and acne or oily skin due to hormonal imbalances. Many face difficulty losing weight, often linked to insulin resistance. It can also cause infertility and darkened skin patches, especially around the neck or armpits.
Treatments and management:
While there is no cure for PCOS, symptoms can be managed through:
- Lifestyle Changes: Adopt a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress.
- Medications: Doctors also prescribe medications such as birth control pills for cycles, anti-androgens for hair and acne, and metformin for insulin resistance.
- Fertility Treatments: Take ovulation-stimulating medications if needed.