PCOS Patient guide

Understanding PCOS

PCOS is a complex situation and we understand it. You must be having many questions. We are here to answer your questions. But before anything, I would like to tell you that PCOS is common, and you are not alone. We know you might be feeling overwhelmed, and that’s okay, but don’t you worry, I can be reversed as long as you focus on being as healthy. It is a journey, and we are with you on this journey. 2 Visit https://conquerpcos.org/ for more information and support for PCOS

What’s on your head? What is PCOS? What are the symptoms of PCOS? How is PCOS diagnosed? Does PCOS affect my emotional wellbeing? Will PCOS affect my fertility and chances of getting pregnant? How can I treat my PCOS condition? Visit https://conquerpcos.org/ for more information and support for PCOS 3

What is PCOS? Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder af- fecting about 12-18% of women in the reproductive age. PCOS symptoms and causes include irregular periods, excessive male-type hair growth, thinning of scalp hair, acne, obesity, difficulty in losing weight, dark patches of skin and infertility. A healthy women’s body 4 Visit https://conquerpcos.org/ for more information and support for PCOS

PCOS affects the body’s biological process and manifests itself physically and mentally. Let’s try to understand how our body changes in PCOS. Can you spot the difference? Mark the differences on the paper. Women body with PCOS Visit https://conquerpcos.org/ for more information and support for PCOS 5

Understanding the differences Imbalanced Hormones In PCOS, two hormones (androgens and insulin) are imbalanced which causes problems in reproductive health and also increases anxiety. Cystic ovaries Hormonal changes result in ovaries not releasing eggs which become cysts. In a few cases, ovaries can be completely normal as well. Irregular Periods As the release of eggs is improper, women experience issues with the menstrual cycle. Periods can be irregular, scanty, or even no periods. Physical Changes Hormonal changes especially an in- crease in androgens, the male hor- mones result in acne, facial hair, an increase in body hair, and hair thinning. 6 Visit https://conquerpcos.org/ for more information and support for PCOS

Anxiety/ depression Mental challenges may arise due to a combination of hormonal influences and dealing with the PCOS symptoms. Weight Gain In PCOS, hormonal balance causes the body to move into weight storage mode thus increasing weight, especially in the abdominal region. In the explanation above, we can see that PCOS reflects in women's physical, repro- ductive, as well as health. Physical Health Reproductive Health Mental Health 7 Visit https://conquerpcos.org/ for more information and support for PCOS

What are the symptoms of PCOS? Mark the symptoms that you are experiencing. This will help you and your doctor track your health better. Anxiety and Depression Irregular Periods Facial Hair and Acne Low Self esteem and poor Difficulty in Pregnancy or Scalp Hair thinning body image Infertility Mood Fluctuations Sexual health challenges High risk of Diabetes Tear the strip at the bottom and fold along the line to see how do these symptoms manifest in you.

PCOS symptoms will varies for every woman. If you wish, you can draw your symptoms here. We all are imperfectly perfect. Accept your body and yourself. Visit https://conquerpcos.org/ for more information and support for PCOS 9

How is PCOS diagnosed? The first step of the diagnosis is to reach out to the people around you. Communicate clearly to your doctor. A B C Which one were you able to find quickly Path C right!!! That is why It is necessary to have Clear communication for the doctor to diagnose you correctly. So instead of keeping information to yourself or communicating the wrong medical history, have open communication with the doctor. 10 Visit https://conquerpcos.org/ for more information and support for PCOS

You may go through the below mentioned tests for the diagnosis. Each test is linked to the symptom it attempts to identify. Sonography Blood Test Physical Examination Cystic or Enlarged Ovaries Hormonal Imbalance and Physical changes like acne, Vitamin deficiencies facial hair and weight gain. PCOS is diagnosed PCOS is diagnosed PCOS is diagnosed In the presence of any two of three test positives, PCOS is diagnosed. Visit https://conquerpcos.org/ for more information and support for PCOS 11

Does PCOS affect my emotional wellbeing? Yes. PCOS have implications on your mental health. Women with PCOS have a greater risk of emotional challenges such as anxiety and depressive symptoms. These challenges may be due to a combination of hormonal influences and dealing with the symptoms of PCOS. Women feel less feminine and their appearance is distressing to them. This results in increased stress levels. Further reinforces PCOS 3 The 1 imbalance of hormones causes PCOS Hormonal feedback 4 from PCOS increases cortisol - a stress- causing hormone. 2 The symptoms of pcos manifest physically like acne, weight gain and body hair. 12 Visit https://conquerpcos.org/ for more information and support for PCOS

Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by these problems? Not able to stop or Feeling nervous, control worrying anxious or on edge Little interest or Feeling down, pleasure in doing things depressed, or hopeless If you answer often to any of the questions below, start to take action Stay connected for your Seek medical Follow healthy lifestyle mental health • Be as active as possible • Talk to people • Eat healthily • Seek family support health Visit https://conquerpcos.org/ for more information and support for PCOS 13

Will PCOS affect my fertility and chances of getting pregnant? The road to pregnancy is difficult but not impossible. There are many treatments and alternatives available. With the right treatment, you will be able to conceive.

How can I treat my PCOS condition? PCOS can be reversed and managed with constant efforts. It is a long journey that requires small changes in your lifestyle. Live a healthy lifestyle Follow doctors advice Visit https://conquerpcos.org/ for more information and support for PCOS 15

We are here to help you in the journey. Scan the QR code to get PCOS support and information. 16

YOU CAN CONQUER PCOS Visit https://conquerpcos.org/ for more information and support for PCOS 17