Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common health condition affecting 10% of the women population and the symptoms can be distressing.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex heterogeneous endocrine disorder experienced by women of reproductive age. Numerous small cysts develop in this syndrome, known as polycystic ovaries that form around the outer edge. The cysts in polycystic ovaries result due to the arrested development of ovaries giving rise to polycystic ovaries. This complex disorder is characterized by hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation.
The etiology behind PCOS is very complex and is a multifactorial disorder that affects the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal gland, ovary, and peripheral adipose tissues.
Several theories have been proposed recently to explain the cause behind the PCOS. Some of which include
Symptoms of PCOS can be experienced either during the first period. While some others may experience it when they have gained a lot of weight. Some of the common symptoms of PCOS include:
A woman with PCOS should focus on managing the condition individually, such as infertility, hirsutism, obesity, and acne. And managing these conditions can be done through lifestyle modifications like sleeping on time, quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, exercising daily, taking rest as much as possible, and avoiding unnecessary stress.
Treatment of PCOS commonly involves taking birth control pills and associated medicines to help a woman with regularization of the menstrual cycle and reduce or help overcome PCOS symptoms like hair growth and acne. It may take upto 6 months for PCOS treatment to understand whether the treatment with birth control pills are effective or not. Some other treatments, like antiandrogen medications, may also take up the same time to know the effectiveness.
A diagnosis of PCOS can be made when at least two of the following three symptoms are observed:
The specialist will rule out other causes responsible for the above-mentioned symptoms for example, thyroid dysfunction is also responsible for irregular periods.
There is no cure for PCOS but the symptoms can be managed by the following approaches:
Lifestyle changes: This approach includes following a balanced and nutritious diet plan, regular exercise, weight management and minimizing harmful habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, consumption of junk food, inflammatory food or processed food, etc.
Medication: Hormonal contraception is usually recommended for managing irregular periods. The oral contraceptive pill works by reducing levels of testosterone and reduces the symptoms of androgen excess.
Fertility treatment: Many women with PCOS experience some difficulties in becoming pregnant. There are a range of medications that can be very effective in assisting women with PCOS to get pregnant. If these are ineffective, assisted reproductive therapy including IVF might be helpful.
If you are concerned about the symptoms associated with PCOS or your fertility, consulting a specialist at Sparrsh Clinic will help you manage the symptoms effectively and our simple fertility treatment can help you on the right path to pregnancy. Our consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr. Preeti Singh has expertise in the fields of gynecological problems.
The cost of PCOS treatment may vary according to the type of treatment, clinic, doctor, and severity.