PCOS Explained: From Symptoms to Solution

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Unraveling its Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

PCOS Explained: From Symptoms to Solution

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Do you feel like you’re fighting a solo battle with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)? Well, you’re not alone, and the good news is that it can be easily managed with appropriate medical support. 

Did you know?

A study in Delhi found a 17.4% prevalence of PCOS among college-going women. There is a varied prevalence observed throughout the country ranging from 2% to 35%.

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a group of symptoms that influence the reproductive health of a woman. It has risen to become the leading cause of infertility worldwide. 

There are disturbances observed in the endocrine system that flare up a group of symptoms. Timely diagnosis and early treatment play a key role in preventing long-term complications. 

Due to different reasons, hormonal fluctuations occur in the body which then interfere with the ovulation of eggs. This, in turn, disrupts the development and release of eggs resulting in the formation of fluid sacs along the outer edge of the ovary, called cysts

Common Signs and Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS symptoms might vary from person to person and may even fluctuate over time. For some people symptoms are observed around their very first period while for some later in their life. 

Here are the common signs and symptoms reported among PCOS women.  

  • Irregular periods: The hormonal imbalance such as increased androgen levels may lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Unpredictable ovulation like having fewer periods in a year, or periods lasting for longer days than usual may be observed. These hormonal changes make it difficult to get pregnant.
  • Increased androgen levels: In PCOS, the ovaries seem to stimulate excess production of the so-called male hormones- androgens, which leads to hirsutism and acne. 
  • Hirsutism: Growth of hair in unwanted areas like the face or chin, breasts, stomach, and back due to excess male hormone levels.
  • Acanthosis nigricans: Dark patches of skin under the arms or back of the neck can also be observed in some women. 
  • Hair loss or thinning: Many women have reported struggling with hair loss during diagnosis, which may be due to changes in the hormone levels.
  • Weight gain: Some women seem to gain extra weight, and some may find it hard to lose the kgs.
  • Acne: Changes in hormones spurt up changes in the skin as well. Acne is one common sign among PCOS women. 
  • Insomnia: The problem of falling asleep and feeling tired is also a commonly reported PCOS symptom.

What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

The true cause of PCOS is unknown, although a few of the below factors can stimulate its development.

  • The genes seem to be playing some significant roles in causing PCOS. However the inheritance pattern is unknown, a few studies suggest that the polycystic ovaries are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, where one copy of a mutated gene needs to be passed on to the next generation for disease manifestation. Hence, having a family history of PCOS can be a risk factor.
  • Insulin resistance is another robust factor that may cause PCOS. Insulin is a growth hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose in the blood to enter into the cells. Resistance to this hormone ends up in high blood sugar levels causing the body to produce more insulin to bring down the glucose level. An increase in insulin levels might stimulate the production of androgens, resulting in ovulation issues. 
  • Unhealthy lifestyle is a well-known causative factor of obesity. Evidence states that 33% to 88% of women with PCOS symptoms are overweight or obese. Excess weight being a factor contributing to insulin resistance might explain its relationship with PCOS. 
  • Research dictates that women with PCOS problems have a type of long-term, low-grade inflammation. White blood cells in the body produce C-reactive protein (CRP) in response to any infection or injury. Such low-grade inflammation over a prolonged period of time can cause the body to produce androgens.

Not to be ignored are the environmental factors such as air pollutants, chemicals in devices, appliances, housewares, and more also stand as potential causative elements.

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

While there is no single test to confirm PCOS diagnosis, the doctor might evaluate the signs and symptoms and proceed to conduct a few tests. Like,

  • Physical Examination: This may involve checking for signs of hair growth in unwanted areas, dark patches in skin, and acne.
  • Pelvic Examination: An ultrasound helps look at the uterine lining and spot cysts in the ovaries.
  • Blood Tests: Analysis may be conducted to measure and identify irregularities in total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and hormone levels. 

Treatment for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

The treatment of PCOS mainly focuses on managing the symptoms concerning the individual. Lifestyle changes are recommended to lose weight, manage symptoms, improve gut health, and prevent further complications. Modest reductions in body weight (even losing 5% of body weight) can establish significant improvements in PCOS symptoms. Weight reduction helps lower insulin resistance and cholesterol levels, regulate menstrual cycles, and may even help with acne and hirsutism. The call for initiating medications will be taken by your healthcare provider based on your condition. Regulating hormone levels plays a crucial role in managing PCOS. A combination of birth control pills helps turn down androgen production and regulate estrogen levels. Your doctor might also prescribe type 2 diabetes medicines to help improve insulin sensitivity.  Medicines are also prescribed to treat other symptoms of PCOS, such as acne and unwanted hair growth. PCOS being a hormonal issue can wreck one’s mental health too. Seeking help for stress management or joining support groups can be fruitful. At Nakshatra IVF & Women’s Centre in OMR, our team of experts aims to guide women with PCOS in managing their condition with expertise, advanced medical treatments, and compassionate care.

Complications

There are complications and challenges associated with PCOS and not all women would face them.Some women may face difficulties in getting pregnant due to their PCOS symptoms. Alenezi et al., (2024) reported that women with PCOS and high BMI, when undergoing IVF treatment, face adverse pregnancy outcomes such as increased risk for miscarriages, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and cesarean delivery. Long-term complications have also been observed in several studies. A high risk for the following conditions has been reported. 

  • Prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes

  • Metabolic syndrome includes a cluster of conditions such as abnormal blood pressure, blood glucose, triglyceride or cholesterol levels, and excess fat around the waist. 

  • Cardiovascular diseases

  • Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

  • Sleep apnea

  • Anxiety, depression

  • Endometrial cancer

Role of Diet & Exercise for PCOS

Exercising and following a healthy dietary pattern is an effective way to manage PCOS symptoms. Following a high protein, low sugar, and high fiber diet has shown significant benefits in reducing inflammation, insulin resistance, and blood glucose levels, and helps prevent complicationsSwitching to whole grains, unrefined or unprocessed cereals, lean sources of protein, low-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds, and high-fiber, less starchy vegetables has displayed positive outcomes. Some studies have noticed improvements in PCOS symptoms with even a 5% reduction in body weight. Engaging in aerobic and resistance exercises for at least 150 minutes a week is suggested. 

What is the Difference Between PCOD and PCOS?

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are two different but related conditions. In PCOD, partially mature or immature eggs are released that can go on to form cysts. The ovaries may also swell and become enlarged, and produce excess androgens. PCOS is a more severe condition of PCOD that involves disturbances in the endocrine system and poses potential complications. It should be noted that some signs and symptoms may be overlapping in both these conditions. PCOD could be managed with lifestyle changes, whereas PCOS may require special medical attention. However, it is important to follow your doctor’s advice for either of these conditions. 

Living with PCOS/PCOD

The number of researches conducted on PCOS and PCOD has spread awareness about the condition and ways of managing it. Several investigations have demonstrated that following a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, staying physically active, and sound mental wellness has created a significant impact in improving and managing PCOS symptoms. 

At Nakshatra IVF & Women’s Centre, the obstetrics & gynecologists provide exceptional care and a personalized approach for diagnosing and treating reproductive disorders like PCOS. Do not let PCOS stop your dream of becoming a parent. We are proud to mention that we have made the dreams of motherhood come true for several women with PCOS/PCOD. 

Put your worries about PCOS aside and book a consultation with our experts today. For more details, call us at +91 9940233969  or visit our Fertility Clinic in OMR.

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