Introduction
A complex hormonal illness known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) generally affects 1 in 5 women. A hormonal imbalance causes the development of sacs filled with fluid in the ovaries as a result of this disorder. Given its prevalence, there is still a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding concerning PCOS, especially in regard to its relationship to menopause.
On October 18, 2020, World Menopause Day will be marked. This is a chance to raise awareness about PCOS and how it affects women during perimenopause and menopause. Our objectives are to debunk myths, offer correct information, and motivate those who are plagued by PCOS to get professional assistance. By addressing these concerns, we can better the lives of women who cope with this illness by eradicating stigma, dispelling myths, and creating a welcoming environment for those who require assistance.
In this thorough guide, we’ll explore little-known information that every woman should be aware of during this crucial time in her life as we delve deeper into the connection between PCOS and menopause.
5 symptoms of menopause are as follows:
1. PCOS Is Not cured by Menopause
It’s a widespread misperception that PCOS will vanish once menopause sets in. Menopause does bring about considerable hormonal changes, but it does not ensure that PCOS symptoms will go away. Hormonal abnormalities are a hallmark of PCOS, which is a chronic illness that continues even beyond menopause.
Hormone therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is a successful treatment for PCOS and menopausal symptoms. Both illnesses have their origins in hormone imbalances, and HRT functions by re-establishing the body’s hormonal balance. HRT is crucial, according to experts Hormone therapy is a useful aid in reducing the uncomfortable symptoms that affect women with PCOS as well as women going through menopause. It can provide much-needed relief by adjusting hormones.
2. PCOS Might Postpone the Start of Menopause
While women PCOS can present a variety of difficulties, it may also unintentionally affect menopause. According to research, women with PCOS may go through menopause about two years later than women without the illness. This postponement of menopause highlights the complex interplay between PCOS and a woman’s body’s normal aging process.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that for women with PCOS, the delay does not take away from the necessity of good support and medical attention during the transition towards menopause.
3. Blood Sugar Level Monitoring Is Essential for PCOS Management
Insulin resistance, or a decrease in the body’s receptivity to insulin, is one of the defining things to know about PCOS. This may cause blood sugar levels to rise, which may exacerbate the increased levels of testosterone and other male hormones linked to PCOS. Additionally, weight gain is a common side effect of menopause, which can make insulin resistance worse.
It’s crucial to meticulously track both weight and blood sugar levels in order to successfully cope with PCOS during perimenopause and menopause. By being proactive, one can lessen the effects of diabetes on insulin resistance and preserve better general health.
4. PCOS: An Problem That Can Appear Irrespective of Any Age
While major PCOS females get their diagnosis in their 20s or 30s, it’s important to know that this disorder can occur at any time during a woman’s teenage years. In PCOS development age is not a factor and it can even happen during perimenopause, keeping its start unexpected.
PCOS can happen during perimenopause, so it is important to keep an eye out for any odd or new symptoms during this period in life. If you think you have PCOS, you must visit a doctor for correct identification and a personalized treatment plan.
5. PCOS and menopause symptoms that coexist
It can be difficult to distinguish between PCOS and menopause, especially when a woman experiences her first PCOS symptoms in her 40s. It can be challenging to distinguish between these two illnesses because many of their symptoms are similar. The following are some typical signs of PCOS and menopause:
a. Irregular or skipped Periods: Menopause and PCOS both have the potential to mess with a woman’s menstrual cycle, resulting in irregular or skipped periods. Given that it is frequently seen as a defining feature of both illnesses, this similar symptom might be confusing.
b. Weight gain: Is a common sign of menopause and PCOS, respectively. Hormonal changes during menopause can result in an increase in body fat, and insulin resistance in PCOS may also contribute to weight gain.
c. Mood Swings: Hormonal changes during menopause can cause emotional disturbances, especially mood swings and impatience. However, because mood swings are also a result of hormone abnormalities in women with PCOS, this symptom is less specific to one disorder than to the other.
d. Sleeping Issues: Sleep issues are common in both PCOS and menopause, which makes people tired and irritable. These irregularities may be caused by hormone changes, and they should be treated with the right sleep hygiene techniques.
e. Rise in Hair Growth: Both PCOS and menopause are associated with increased androgen levels, which can be linked to excessive hair growth, also known as hirsutism, especially in places like the chest and face. Many women may find this upsetting, thus it should be addressed by a healthcare professional for proper handling.
Conclusion
There are many women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome, (PCOS) and it does not automatically go away when menopause begins. It is essential for the well-being of women with PCOS to understand the special difficulties they experience during perimenopause and menopause. People and healthcare providers can better handle and assist patients with PCOS by being aware of blood sugar levels, realizing that the disorder can appear at any age, and knowing the symptoms of PCOS and menopause overlap.
It is important to educate women about their physical characteristics, medical pregnancy termination and unplanned pregnancy in order to improve their standard of life during and after menopause. It’s crucial to foster an environment of comprehension, assistance, and access to healthcare for women with PCOS, regardless of their age or point in life. By raising awareness about PCOS and menopause, you can make sure that women receive the assistance and care they require during these critical life periods.