Diagnosed With PCOS? Here’s All You Need To Know

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a very common endocrine disorder that affects 1 out of every 10 women of reproductive age. Recent reports have shown that almost 70 percent of the women with PCOS haven’t even been diagnosed.

It can disrupt your monthly cycles and elevate the levels of androgen in your body, thereby triggering symptoms like acne, facial hair growth and baldness. PCOS is also marked by the formation of cysts in the ovaries. However, there’s no need to be scared as the problem can be easily managed by the use of proper medication and adapting to healthy lifestyle changes. Polycystic ovarian syndrome videos available on Medflick will clear all your doubts and misconceptions related to PCOS and its treatment.

Also, it is important to not take the symptoms lightly and seek immediate medical guidance. PCOS treatment in India is easily available. It is important to educate yourself and the women around you as the problem can affect anyone.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome include the following:

• Irregular menstrual cycles with less than 9 periods in a year. This means that you might skip your periods or there might be a gap of more than 35 days between 2 consecutive periods. This is usually accompanied by heavy bleeding and unbearable pain.
• Increased levels of androgen which is a male hormone. This can lead to noticeable physical changes like excessive body and facial hair (hirsutism), oily skin, acne-breakout and male-pattern baldness.
• Unexplained weight gain
• Rapid mood swings and emotional imbalance.
• Formation of dark patches in certain areas like the neck, groin and under the breasts.

Causes

• Genetic reasons - recent research and studies have suggested that PCOS can be hereditary i.e. it can be passed through genes.
• Insulin resistance - Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps to regulate blood glucose levels by converting sugar into energy. If the cells present in our body become resistant to insulin, it can lead to elevated blood sugar levels in reaction to which, our bodies start producing more insulin. The increased insulin levels trigger the production of androgen.
• Inflammation - low-grade inflammation triggered by white blood cells can enhance the production of androgen

Various risks associated with PCOS

If PCOS is not managed properly, it can trigger the following problems:

• Increased risks of infertility
• Miscarriage or premature birth
• Metabolic syndrome
• Sleep apnea
• Elevated risks of uterine cancer
• Depression
• Diabetes and high blood pressure
• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Diagnosis

Early PCOS diagnosis and treatment can help to evade a lot of complications later in life. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is diagnosed by its symptoms. Patients are usually asked to undergo blood tests and ultrasound. Sometimes simple pelvic exams can also help to detect any unusual growth.

Treatment

If you have been detected with PCOS, your doctor will discuss the problem with you in detail and recommend healthy lifestyle changes that can help you to manage the same. You will be asked to take certain medicines to help you with the symptoms and to reduce the cysts. PCOS treatment centres in Delhi offer the following treatment options:

• Birth control pills - the estrogen and progestin present in birth control pills can help to regulate a normal hormonal balance and healthy ovulation along with relieving symptoms like hair growth and baldness. Use of birth control can also lower the risks of endometrial cancer.
• Metformin -widely used to treat type 2 diabetes, Metformin can help to manage PCOS by lower blood improving insulin levels. If combined with healthy dietary changes and exercise, it can help to glucose level and regulate healthy menstrual cycles.
• Clomiphene - it is a fertility drug that helps to increase the chances of A healthy pregnancy in women diagnosed with PCOS. However, such women are at a high risk of multiple births.
• Surgery - surgical procedures like ovarian drilling can be opted to regulate normal ovulation.
• Weight management - maintaining a healthy weight and resorting to healthy lifestyle changes can help you to successfully manage your PCOS. You can even try specialised diet plans, for instance, ketogenic diet or detox diet.