All About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) In Teens
In This Article
Does your teen suffer from irregular periods? Does she experience excess hair growth on certain parts of her body? If you answered yes, you might want to read our post. Your dear daughter may suffer from the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS. What is PCOS? How do you spot it? How do you treat it? Read our post to get answers here.
What Is PCOS In Teens?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition among teens. PCOS occurs due to the development of small cysts or fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries. It causes a range of symptoms, such as irregular periods, weight gain issues, and many other health issues, in teenage girls. It is essential to seek immediate medical assistance if your daughter suffers from PCOS.
Causes Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome In Teens:
Even though researchers are unable to find the exact cause of PCOS, what researchers conclude is that bodies of female teens suffering from PCOS produce extra testosterone. Testosterone is a male hormone that even women’s produce. A teen with PCOS has a higher than normal testosterone level in her body. Most often, PCOS is hereditary. If you suffer from PCOS, then your daughter may be prone to PCOS.
In some cases, teens with PCOS have insulin resistance that causes a spike in blood glucose levels. As a result, the body tends to produce more insulin than normal. (1)
[ Read: Symptoms Of Heartburn In Teens ]
Symptoms Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome In Teens:
Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome may vary from teen to teen. Here is a list of prominent symptoms of PCOS in teenagers.
- Irregular periods and heavy bleeding
- Excess hair growth on upper arms, face, back, chest, stomach, or inner thighs
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Thinning hair
- Patches of dark, thick skin on arms, neck, breasts, or thighs
- Oily skin
- Stomachache (2)
[ Read: Appendicitis In Teens ]
Treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome In Teens:
Even though there is no cure for PCOS, you can alleviate its symptoms with the help of medications or a change in lifestyle. Here are some lifestyle tips and medication that help treat the symptoms and effects of PCOS in teens.
1. Reduce Weight:
If your teen is obese, help her reduce about 5% to 10% of her body weight, as it helps regulate periods and may prevent excess hair growth.
2. Exercise Regularly:
Performing exercises regularly helps you regulate your weight and minimizes the risk of diabetes that triggers PCOS in teens. Make sure your teen performs exercises for about 30 minutes every day.
[ Read: Healthy Exercises For Teenagers ]
3. Follow A Low-Calorie Diet:
Having a low-calorie diet helps your daughter lose weight significantly. Limit processed foods, such as cakes, chips, fast foods, fried foods, white rice, soda, chicken nuggets, sugary cereals, and other foods. Consult a professional dietician to make better food choices that can help her regulate weight.
4. Medications To Reduce Excess Hair Growth:
Seek medical assistance to help your teen get the right medications that regulate the effect of testosterone on the skin and minimize excess hair growth. Medicines such as finasteride, spironolactone, and flutamide, can prevent excess hair growth resulting due to PCOS. A cream comprising medication eflornithine helps minimize hair growth on your daughter’s face.
[ Read: Glandular Fever In Teenagers ]
5. Medications To Control Diabetes:
Female teens with PCOS who suffer from type 2 diabetes and do not respond to exercises and diet changes should opt for a medication metformin. Metformin helps regulate periods and prevents irregular periods in teens. (3)
Did your teen suffer from PCOS? How did you help ease her symptoms? Tell us about it here. Leave a comment below. Fellow moms would love to hear from you.
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