Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)- An overview

It is the most common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. 1 in every 5 women in India have PCOD. It is a condition that causes irregular menstrual periods because monthly ovulation is not occurring, and levels of androgens (male hormones) are elevated.

Cause of PCOS is not completely understood but may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is 50% possibility of getting PCOD among the women whose immediate female relatives suffer from PCOD

Book an online appointment with Dr. Archana Singh for Pregnancy & Gynecology related issues.

Signs and symptoms of PCOS usually begin around the time of puberty, although many women develop symptoms in the late adolescence or even early adulthood. Common symptoms are:

  • Irregular or absent menstrual periods - If ovulation doesn’t occur, the lining of uterus does not uniformly shed out and regrow as in a normal menstrual cycle
  • Weight gain and obesity- PCOS is associated with gradual weight gain and obesity in approximately one-half of women
  • Unwanted hair growth and acne - male pattern hair growth may be seen on upper lip, chin, neck, chest, abdomen
  • Scalp hair loss
  • Infertility - many women with PCOS do not ovulate regularly and it may take these women longer to become pregnant
  • Sleep apnea
  • Various metabolic syndromes, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, increased cholesterol and blood glucose levels

There is no single test for diagnosing PCOS. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, blood tests and physical examination. Woman must have 2 out of 3 of the following to be diagnosed with PCOS.

  • Irregular menstrual periods
  • Evidence of elevated androgen levels such as excess hair growth, acne, male pattern balding or blood tests which shows high androgen levels.
  • Ultrasound shows polycystic changes in ovaries.

There is no permanent treatment for PCOS, but symptoms can be managed. Having PCOS can be hard on girl’s self-esteem. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the physical symptoms and take care of the emotional side of living with PCOS

  • Weight loss- It is one of the most effective approaches for managing symptoms of PCOS. Weight loss is achieved by healthy diet and exercise. Exercise is very important to improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin and prevent progression to diabetes
  • Oral contraceptive pills – it is used for regulating menstrual periods. It is also effective for treating hirsutism (excess hair growth) and acne.
  • Progestin- another method to treat menstrual irregularity is to take progestin
  • Metformin- It is also one of the treatment for menstrual irregularities in PCOD patient
  • Hair treatments- excess hair growth on the face or other body parts removed by shaving or use of depilatories, laser therapy

Also Read : What is PCOD? Signs, Causes, How to Diagnose and Treatments

With treatment, most women with PCOS can get pregnant. Ovulation induction and IUI can be done as the treatment for infertility

Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.

  1. Best Gynecologists in Bangalore
  2. Top Gynecologists in Chennai
  3. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Mumbai
  4. Top Gynecologists near me in Pune
  5. Best Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Chandigarh
  6. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists near me in Gurgaon
  7. Best Gynecologists near me in Noida
  8. Top Gynecologist near me in Panchkula
  9. Top Gynecologist In Delhi
  10. Top Gynecologists in Faridabad
  11. Best Gynecologists in Hyderabad

Want to consult the best Maternity Packages in India? Please find the links below.

  1. Best Maternity Packages in Bangalore
  2. Top Maternity Packages in Chennai
  3. Best Maternity Packages with Cost in Mumbai
  4. Best Maternity/ Delivery Packages with Charges in Pune
  5. Top Maternity Packages with Cost in Chandigarh
  6. Top Maternity/ Delivery packages with Charges in Gurgaon
  7. Best Pregnancy Packages in Noida

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main cause of PCOS?

The cause of PCOS is not completely understood but may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There's a 50% possibility of getting PCOS among women whose immediate female relatives suffer from PCOS. It's related to unusual hormone levels, including high insulin levels. Many women are insulin-resistant, producing higher insulin, which causes increased testosterone production.

Is PCOS caused by stress?

PCOS symptoms can develop later in response to substantial weight gain. The exact cause is not known, but factors include genetics, excess insulin, low-grade inflammation and heredity. Some cases are mistakenly labelled as PCOS when actually rooted in stress-related/lifestyle problems.

What age does PCOS start?

Signs and symptoms of PCOS often develop around the time of the first menstrual period during puberty. Sometimes PCOS develops later, for example, in response to substantial weight gain. If you have any signs or symptoms, they will become apparent during the late teens or early 20s.

What is the biggest indicator of PCOS?

PCOS diagnosis requires 2 out of 3 features: irregular menstrual periods, evidence of elevated androgen levels (excess hair growth, acne, male pattern balding, or blood tests showing high androgens), and an ultrasound showing polycystic changes in the ovaries. Irregular periods are most commonly discussed as the primary indicator.

Get the right solution today

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Maternity
Gynaecology
Fertility
Neonatal Care
Paediatric Care
NICU
PICU
Radiology
Physiotherapy
Nutrition and Dietetics
Breastfeeding Support
Allied Services
Stem Cell Banking
Bengaluru
Chandigarh
Chennai
Faridabad
Ghaziabad
Gurugram
Hyderabad
Jalandhar
Lucknow
Ludhiana
Mumbai
New Delhi
Noida
Panchkula
Pune
//form validation// //form validation 2//