What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS is a hormonal
disorder common among women’s of reproductive age(generally between 15 to 45
age).Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual period with the
production of excess male hormone(androgen).The ovaries may develop numerous
small collection of fluid (follicles) .
The causes behind PCOS
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown.But it is predicted that hormonal imbalance(overproduction of androgen hormone) and genetic
inheritance is one of the core reasons.If a family member specially mother or
sister has PCOS it can increase the risk of having it.Moreover, overweight or
obesity is a leading factor to PCOS.
Symptoms
Ø
Excess hair growth on
face and body
Ø
Weight gain and difficulty in
losing weight
Ø
Male pattern and baldness
Ø
Excessive acne and dullness in the skin
Ø
Massive hairfall
Ø
Darkness in the neck
Ø
Fatigue
Complexity in health related to PCOS :
Ø
Diabetes
Ø
High cholesterol level
Ø
Hypertension
Ø
Breast Cancer
Ø
Infertility
Ø
Hypothyroidism
Ø
Increased risk of endometrial cancer
Required tests for
diagnosis of PCOS
ü
Ultrasound scan
ü
Serum FSH/Follicle stimulating hormone(
within the reference range or low in PCOS)
ü
Serum LH/Luteinizing hormone(elevated in
PCOS)
![]() |
Image of left and
right scans of PCOS patient’s right ovary. The ovary is enlarged and there are multiple small an-echoic follicles |
ü
Serum testosterone level(higher in PCOS)
ü
Fasting glucose level
ü
Thyroid function test
ü
Lipid profile
Treatment
1.
First of all with proper diet and exercise
one should control the weight.Following BMI , one should keep her weight under
normal range that will help her to control blood glucose level, maintain the hormonal balance and get a regular menstrual cycle.
2.
Those who are not thinking to be pregnant
right at this moment, specially young girls
are prescribed contraceptive pill(progestin) .This
will maintain the regularity of menstrual cycle and decrease the production of
male hormone.Moreover,it will decrease unwanted hairs and acne problem.
3.
On the contrary ,women’s who are interested to be pregnant at this
moment they are prescribed clomiphene citrate by doctors.
4.
Metformin: Metformin can enhance ovulation and
regulate menstrual cycle .It decreases the blood glucose level and hirsutism
(excess hair growth).In many cases,metformin and
clomiphene
citrate are prescribed
together.
5.
Anti-androgen: Antiandrogen agents block androgen
receptors which inhibit the effects of male sex hormones .It helps to get rid
of excess hair and enlarged muscle.But this medicine is not prescribed to the
women who are interested to be pregnant at this moment.
6.
Surgery: In this case ,doctor with the help
of laparoscopy
does ovarian drilling.
Consciousness:
Pregnant women with PCOS can have miscarriage and delivery before the fixed
time .During pregnancy a PCOS patient must follow required
consciousness and consult with the doctor with a regular check up.
PCOS is one of the most common causes of
female infertility.The complexity of PCOS will decrease if one detects the
problem and takes appropriate medication and treatment as soon as possible.Women
with PCOS can conceive naturally or with the help of fertility treatment.But it
is a matter of great sorrow that 1 in 10 (upto 70%) of women with PCOS are
undiagnosed.If the symptoms matches with one’s physical condition one should
consult with doctor .As prevention is always better than cure females specially
young girls should try to keep their weight under control and follow a proper nutritious diet.
Be healthy be happy!