Can PCOS Go Away On Its Own?
Ayushi PorwalAmidst the unexplained physical changes (weight gain, hair loss, acne) and the unsolicited advice that it's all in your head, we all have wondered: can PCOS can go away on its own? With no clear answers and nobody to guide with genuine advice, coping and PCOS management can feel overwhelming. But do not worry, we have got you!
Let's get to the basics: understand what PCOS is, the common myths surrounding it, and how you can manage it.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries function and impacts reproductive and metabolic health. Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal levels of androgens (male hormones), which can interfere with follicle development and cause irregular or absent ovulation. This leads to missed or unpredictable periods and, in some cases, difficulty conceiving.
However, it is important to know that PCOS is not just related to ovulation but impacts multiple systems in the body. The hormonal imbalance can cause:
- Irregular or absent periods.
- Formation of small, underdeveloped follicles in the ovaries (not necessarily cysts)
- Weight gain and difficulty losing weight due to insulin resistance
- Excessive facial and body hair growth (hirsutism)
- Thinning hair or scalp hair loss similar to male-pattern baldness
- Acne and oily skin due to overactive sebaceous glands
- Increased risk of metabolic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol
Why Does PCOS Happen?
There is no single cause of PCOS. While the exact cause is unknown, research suggests these key contributors:
- Genetics: PCOS tends to run in families, meaning if your mother, sister, or close relatives have it, you may have a higher chance of developing it. Certain genes linked to hormone regulation and insulin function may contribute to this condition.
- Insulin Resistance: Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use sugar for energy. In many women with PCOS, the body does not respond well to insulin, forcing the pancreas to produce more of it. This imbalance in insulin regulation is believed to be a major trigger for PCOS.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Some women naturally produce higher levels of androgens (male hormones), which can interfere with normal ovarian function. Additionally, an imbalance in hormones like luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) may prevent eggs from maturing properly, contributing to irregular cycles.
- Inflammation and Lifestyle Factors: Chronic low-grade inflammation and factors like diet, stress, and lack of physical activity can further impact metabolic health and hormone regulation and lead to PCOS.
Know that these are generic causes. Every woman experiences PCOS differently, with different reasons for its occurrence.
What are the Myths Related to PCOS?
Despite advances in medical research, misconceptions about PCOS are still widespread. This often leads to confusion and misinformation. So, let's break down some common myths and uncover the facts.
Myth #1: PCOS Means You Have Ovarian Cysts
Fact: The name Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can be misleading. Not all women with PCOS have ovarian cysts, and having cysts does not necessarily mean you have PCOS. PCOS is a hormonal condition, not just a structural issue with the ovaries.
Myth #2: Losing Weight Will Cure PCOS
Fact: While maintaining a healthy weight can help manage symptoms, it does not cure PCOS. The condition is caused by underlying hormonal and metabolic imbalances, which do not disappear just by losing weight. However, weight management can improve insulin sensitivity and hormonal regulation and reduce symptoms.
Myth #3: If You Have Regular Periods, You Cannot Have PCOS
Fact: PCOS does not always cause irregular periods. Some women with PCOS have regular cycles but still experience other symptoms like acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, or fertility issues due to hormonal imbalances.
Myth #4: PCOS Only Affects Fertility
Fact: PCOS is not just about reproductive health. It is a metabolic condition that can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease. It also affects skin, hair, and mental health, making it much more than just a fertility concern.
Myth #5: PCOS Will Go Away on Its Own
Fact: PCOS is a lifelong condition and does not resolve on its own. While some women may experience symptom improvement with age or pregnancy, self-resolution of PCOS is a myth. Proper PCOS management through lifestyle changes and having hormone-balancing tea is important to keep symptoms under control.
Myth #6: All Women with PCOS Gain Weight
Fact: While many women with PCOS experience weight gain due to insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances, not everyone with PCOS is overweight. Some women with lean PCOS have a normal or underweight BMI but still struggle with symptoms like irregular periods, acne, and fertility issues.
Myth #7: Birth Control Pills Cure PCOS
Fact: Birth control pills can help regulate periods and manage symptoms like acne and excessive hair growth, but they do not cure PCOS. They work by temporarily balancing hormones, but symptoms may return once you stop taking them.
Myth #8: You Cannot Get Pregnant If You Have PCOS
Fact: PCOS can make conceiving more challenging due to irregular ovulation, but it does not mean infertility is guaranteed. Many women with PCOS successfully conceive naturally or with medical assistance, such as ovulation-inducing medications or lifestyle changes.
Myth #9: PCOS and Endometriosis Are the Same
Fact: PCOS and endometriosis are two different conditions. PCOS is a hormonal disorder affecting ovulation and metabolism. Endometriosis involves the abnormal growth of uterine lining tissue outside the uterus, causing severe pain. While both can cause fertility issues, they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
So, can PCOS be cured?
There is no permanent cure for PCOS. Instead of opting for medicines as a quick fix, you can consider natural treatment options that focus on improving your reproductive system without side effects.
Incorporating herbal solutions like the Hormone Balancing Brew can help with hormone regulation, PCOS/PCOD, bloating, mood swings, and other symptoms. It is completely safe and 100% natural, with a potent blend of 11 Ayurvedic herbs, including spearmint, ashwagandha, shatavari, lodhra, lemongrass, peppermint, ginger, and more.
Additionally, eating balanced meals with protein, reducing stress, and staying active can help regulate hormones and ease PCOS symptoms.