PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is known to affect around 10 to 15% of women all across and could have a different kind of effects on them. The disease is also seen as a potential marker for heart diseases, as it creates an insulin issue in their bodies. PCOS, its range and severity make it so variable that medical science has no acceptable definition, clinically for the problem.
There is, however, a wide range of symptoms associated with PCOS. The signs in most women affected by PCOS begin in adolescence, while in many they do not develop until they reach their mid-twenties. Lifestyle is another associated problem with PCOS as various consumptions could cause it, and is especially recommended for mothers for the present and the future.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
- The irregular or late onset of the menstrual cycle
- Fertility problems
- Miscarriages that could become recurrent
- Increase in the excess body and facial hair.
- Hair loss in the head or other parts of the body
- Acne
- Weight problems
- Gestational and adult-onset diabetes
How is PCOS linked with breastfeeding?
PCOS as a problem could have varying effects on breastfeeding and the mother’s ability to provide milk to the child. This occurs due to multiple reasons, and thus this link determines that PCOS does interfere with breastfeeding.
- Hormonal imbalances are known to happen when a lady has PCOS, which increases the chances of poor breast tissue development, especially during puberty and pregnancy.
- PCOS causes irregularity on the menstrual cycles, especially during early puberty, which could result in less development of estrogen which is essential in the development of the mammary tissue
- For lactation, prolactin and oxytocin are the two most essential hormones involved. PCOS causes higher levels of androgen hormones, which in turn could interfere with prolactin reaching the receptors.
- On the other hand, PCOS could also lead to the low formation of prolactin receptors which could have the same effect to the previous point.
- The inhibition of lactation is aided by estrogen, especially in the early days after a child is delivered. PCOS in a new mother generally causes an imbalance known as estrogen dominance, which again interferes with lactation. For this doctors need to down-regulate estrogen levels after birth. For the same reason, doctors do not recommend contraceptive pills to new mothers.
- Insulin resistance is another problem created in the body due to the presence of PCOS, which adversely affects breast growth and milk synthesis. As for insulin, it is an essential factor in lactation and works in conjunction with prolactin and cortisol.
Doctors, after examining the patient will recommend various methods and procedures, including bringing about a drastic change to their current lifestyle and dietary habits, which could help women regulate milk production despite the presence of PCOS. PCOS is a grave problem, especially for new mothers and adversely affects milk production, thus making breastfeeding an arduous task, which is essential for the newborns.
About the Hospital:
Sai Siva Children’s Hospital, Chanda Nagar, is a full-fledged medical facility specially designed for pediatric patients as well as young adults. The hospital was started in the year 2008, with the aim of reaching out to schools and villages to educate the middle and high school students about health & hygiene. Sai Siva Children’s Hospital is one of the most sought-after children’s hospitals in Hyderabad with a team of experienced doctors and skilled staff who aim to help your child have healthy growth and development. We believe that children today are the future of our world, and must have good health to make the world a better place to live in.