PCODTreatment

There are no certain causes of PCOS, however the contributing factors include:

• Excess androgen: Overproduction of androgen by ovaries causes may lead to hirsutism and acne.
• Excess production of insulin: Increased androgen production causes difficulty with ovulation.
• Heredity: Certain genetic correlation may exist with PCOS in women.
• Presence of low-grade inflammation: Women with PCOS experience a low-grade inflammation that may stimulate polycystic ovaries to produce androgens.

Some of the commonly reported signs and symptoms of PCOS include:

• Acne
• Darkening of skin
• Hirsutism (abnormal growth of hair on face and body)
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Polycystic ovaries, sometimes both ovaries may be involved i.e Bilateral Polycystic ovaries or ovarian cysts
• Skin tags
• Thinning hair
• Weight gain

Some of the possible complications of PCOS are:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Psychological disorders like depression and eating disorders
• Endometrial cancer
• Pregnancy induced or Gestational diabetes and/or hypertension
• Infertility
• Metabolic syndrome
• Miscarriage or premature birth
• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
• Sleep apnoea

Your doctor maybe able to diagnose PCOS on the basis of:

Medical history: To get detailed information about menstrual periods and weight changesPresence of at least two of the following symptoms is indicative of PCOS:

• Irregular periods
• Signs of high levels of androgens
• – Hirsutism
• – Acne
• – Thinning of scalp hair
• Higher blood levels of androgens
• Polycystic ovaries

Physical examination

• Pelvic exam to assess the reproductive organs for masses, growths or other abnormalities

Tests:

• Blood, glucose tolerance, cholesterol and triglyceride levels etc
• Imaging:
• Ultrasound: To check the appearance of your ovaries and the thickness of the lining of your uterus.

Additional tests:

• Screening for depression and anxiety
• Screening for obstructive sleep apnoea

Treatment of PCOS primarily focuses on management of underlying issues like infertility, obesity etc.

Medications for:

• Regulation of menstrual cycle
• Promoting ovulation
• Reduction of excessive hair growth

Some lifestyle modifications that can help in reducing the effects of PCOS include:

• Maintenance of a healthy weight: Weight loss can lower insulin and androgen levels and may restore ovulation.
• Diet management and limitation in consumption of carbohydrates: High-carbohydrate and low-fat diets may increase insulin levels.
• Exercise regularly: Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels and control body weight.

Women with PCOS may face problems of:

• Increased indication for Cesarean section
• Gestational diabetes
• Miscarriage
• Preeclampsia
• Ovulation test may not be accurate

Risk of complications due to PCOS during pregnancy can be lowered by some of the following measures:

• Achieving healthy weight before pregnancy
• Achieving normal blood sugar levels before and during pregnancy
• Optimal level of iron stores

Some of the following options increase the chances of getting pregnant in women with PCOS:

• Weight management
• Medications as advised by the gynaecologist
• In vitro fertilization
• Surgery