PCOS: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common type of hormonal disorder seen in ladies of reproductive age. It affects the ovaries, causing irregular periods, excess hair growth, hirsutism, acne, weight gain, and fertility problems. If no treatment is given, it can lead to serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and infertility.

PCOS affects 5–10% of the female population according to their means, and it's one of the leading causes of infertility. However, treatments with good care and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms.

Common Symptoms of PCOS

The symptoms of PCOS vary from person to person, but the most common ones include:

Infrequent or Irregular Menstrual Cycle

Women with PCOS may get infrequent menstruation of less than eight a year, heavy bleeding, or complete absence of menstruation due to irregularity in ovulation.

Excessive hair growth (Hirsutism)

PCOS is the leading cause of unwanted hair growth in women on the face, chest, stomach, and back in other areas due to increased androgen levels.

Acne and Oily Skin

Elevated androgen levels can lead to persistent acne resistant to typical treatments.

Thinning or Shedding of Hair

While some women may display increased hair growth, others may experience thinning of the hair or male-pattern baldness.

Weight Gain and Weight Loss Resistance

PCOS makes weight loss difficult since many of these women face some form of insulin resistance.

Fertility Issues

Due to how PCOS works against ovulation, women often face challenges in conceiving children. Here's where it piled on to become one of the leading causes of infertility in women.

Dark Patches on Skin (Acanthosis Nigricans)

Some women develop dark patches around the neck, armpits, or groin, which are related to insulin resistance.

Mood Swings and Tiredness

PCOS is associated with anxiety, depression, and fatigue, often due to hormonal imbalances.

Seeing a doctor for diagnosis and management may be required if there are several associated symptoms.

What Causes PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but researchers believe several factors contribute to its development:

Genetics: PCOS tends to run in families. If your mother or sister has PCOS, you are more likely to develop it.
Insulin Resistance: As many as 70% of women with PCOS are insulin resistant, which means their body's cells are not responsive to insulin. This results in elevated blood sugar levels, which stimulate the ovaries to secrete excess androgens.
Hormonal Imbalances: PCOS women secrete elevated amounts of androgens (male hormones), which interfere with ovulation and cause symptoms such as acne, hair growth, and irregular menses.
Obesity and Lifestyle Habits: Excess weight can exacerbate insulin resistance, enhancing PCOS symptoms. PCOS in itself may complicate weight loss, though.

Understanding these causes can help in choosing the right treatment approach to manage symptoms effectively.

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multi-step process that involves medical history evaluation, physical examination, blood work, and ultrasound scanning. Physicians employ a combination of these to establish the condition.

Medical History and Symptom Evaluation – Your doctor will inquire about your menstrual cycle, weight gain, acne, excess hair growth, and history of PCOS or diabetes in your family.
Physical Examination – A physical exam may involve examining signs of high androgen levels, including acne, thinning hair, and excess facial or body hair. Dark spots on the skin, associated with insulin resistance, will also be evaluated.
Blood Tests – Tests of hormones measure levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin. Other tests include glucose and insulin levels to test for resistance to insulin and a cholesterol and lipid profile to screen for risk of heart disease.
Ultrasound (Pelvic Scan) – A transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound scans the ovaries and uterine lining. Most women with PCOS have large ovaries with numerous small cysts, but by themselves, their presence is not sufficient for diagnosis.
Rotterdam Criteria for PCOS Diagnosis – Physicians diagnose PCOS if two or more of three conditions are present: infrequent or absent ovulation, elevated androgen levels, or polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.

Take Control of Your PCOS with Expert Care at Apollo Hospitals

PCOS can be tough, but with proper medical assistance, it is manageable. At Apollo Hospitals, our highly qualified gynaecologists, endocrinologists, and nutritionists offer customized treatment plans to regulate your menstrual cycle, control weight, stabilize hormonal imbalances, and enhance fertility. With state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and a multidisciplinary approach, we guarantee that you get the best possible treatment suited to your individual health needs. Don't let PCOS ruin your well-being—take the first step to better health today.

Schedule Your Consultation! Book an appointment now and receive expert advice on how to deal with PCOS successfully.

Is PCOS curable permanently?

PCOS is not curable, but it can be well-controlled with diet, exercise, medications, and medical advice. Keeping a balanced diet, exercising normally, and having good stress control can help minimize symptoms and feel better overall.

What is the most effective diet for managing PCOS?

A diet that includes whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and fibre can ease blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. Reducing processed food, sweets, and refined carbohydrates is also good for keeping PCOS symptoms in check.

Can I get pregnant if I am diagnosed with PCOS?

Yes, most women with PCOS are able to get pregnant with the proper treatment. Lifestyle changes, medications that trigger ovulation, and fertility medications such as IVF can enhance the possibility of pregnancy. Getting advice from an expert at Apollo Hospitals can guide you through the best possible solution for your fertility treatment.

How do I check if I have PCOS?

Typical symptoms of PCOS are irregular menstrual periods, hirsutism, acne, weight gain, and infertility. PCOS can be diagnosed by a physician on the basis of symptoms, blood work, and ultrasound findings. If you are suspecting PCOS, you should consult a doctor for early diagnosis and treatment.

What if PCOS is not treated?

If it goes untreated, PCOS may lead to long-term health issues like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and infertility. It may also predispose a woman to endometrial cancer because of irregular ovulation. Prevention of long-term health threats is possible only if PCOS is diagnosed early and treated appropriately.