🌸 Understanding PCOS: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of reproductive age, affecting nearly 1 in 10 women globally. Despite its prevalence, PCOS remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood.
🔬 What Is PCOS?
PCOS is a condition characterized by a hormonal imbalance that affects ovarian function. Women with PCOS may experience irregular periods, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and polycystic ovaries—where the ovaries contain many small, immature follicles.
🧪 Causes of PCOS
While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, several factors contribute to its development:
- Insulin resistance: Common in women with PCOS, leading to higher insulin levels which stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens.
- Genetics: Family history increases the risk of PCOS.
- Low-grade inflammation: Triggers excess androgen production.
- Hormonal imbalance: Disrupted LH:FSH ratio interferes with ovulation.
⚠️ Common Symptoms of PCOS
- Irregular or missed periods
- Excess facial and body hair (hirsutism)
- Acne and oily skin
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Hair thinning or scalp hair loss
- Dark patches on the skin (acanthosis nigricans)
- Infertility or difficulty conceiving
🩺 How Is PCOS Diagnosed?
Doctors use the Rotterdam Criteria—if two out of the following three are present, PCOS can be diagnosed:
- Irregular or absent ovulation
- Clinical or biochemical signs of high androgen levels
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound
Other investigations may include:
- Hormonal blood tests (LH, FSH, Testosterone, Prolactin, TSH)
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Insulin and glucose testing
🛠️ PCOS Treatment Options
1. Lifestyle Modifications (First Line)
- 💪 Exercise: At least 150 minutes/week of aerobic + resistance training
- 🥗 Diet: Low-GI, anti-inflammatory, whole-food-based meal plans
- 🧘 Stress management: Meditation, yoga, CBT
2. Medications
- Metformin: Improves insulin sensitivity
- Oral contraceptives: Regulate periods and lower androgen levels
- Anti-androgens: Reduce hair growth and acne (e.g., spironolactone)
- Ovulation inducers: For fertility support (e.g., letrozole, clomiphene)
3. Supplements (After consultation)
- Inositol (Myo- and D-Chiro): Improves insulin and ovulation
- Vitamin D: Often deficient in women with PCOS
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Anti-inflammatory benefits
💡 Long-Term Complications If Untreated
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Infertility
- Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
- Endometrial cancer (due to unopposed estrogen)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Depression and anxiety
👩⚕️ When to See a Doctor
Consult a gynecologist or endocrinologist if you notice:
- Missed or irregular periods
- Sudden weight gain or hair changes
- Fertility concerns
- Signs of insulin resistance (fatigue after meals, skin tags, sugar cravings)
📌 Final Thoughts
PCOS is a manageable condition, not a life sentence. With early diagnosis, personalized lifestyle strategies, and medical support, you can reverse many symptoms and reclaim hormonal balance.
Empower yourself with knowledge, support your body with nutrition, and build a lifestyle that nourishes—not fights—your hormones.
Article by Dr. Pawan Gaba | Clinical Biochemistry & Women's Health Specialist
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