A Comprehensive Overview of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

March 6, 2023
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The condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is brought on by an excess of male hormones produced by the ovaries, which is the organ responsible for producing and releasing eggs. Your ovaries produce exceptionally high levels of androgens if you have PCOS. Your reproductive hormones fall out of balance as a result. People with PCOS frequently experience irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, and unexpected ovulation as a result. Due to a lack of ovulation, small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) may form on your ovaries (anovulation).

What causes polycystic ovarian syndrome primarily?

  • Hormonal imbalances: Excess insulin and androgens (male hormones) can cause hormonal imbalances, leading to the development of cysts on the ovaries.

  • Genetics: PCOS can run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component to the condition.

  • Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation has been associated with the development of PCOS.

  • Insulin resistance: Women with PCOS are often insulin resistant, meaning their body does not respond well to insulin, leading to increased insulin levels.


What are the signs and symptoms of PCOS?

  • Abnormal hair growth

  • Irregular periods

  • Skin tags

  • Obesity

  • Acne

  • Darkening of skin

  • Cysts

  • Infertility

  • Thinning hair


What are diagnostic procedures are done to confirm PCOS?

  1. Pelvic exam: A physical examination of the reproductive organs to check for the presence of cysts on the ovaries.

  2. Blood tests: Blood tests are done to measure hormone levels, including testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and oestrogen. Elevated levels of androgens, such as testosterone, can be indicative of PCOS.

  3. Ultrasound: A pelvic ultrasound is usually done to visualize the ovaries and check for the presence of cysts.

  4. Glucose tolerance test: This test measures the body's ability to process sugar (glucose) and can be used to assess insulin resistance.

  5. Hirsutism score: This score assesses the amount of unwanted hair growth (hirsutism), which is a common symptom of PCOS.


Treatment options for PCOS

  1. Hormonal birth control methods include oral pills, vaginal rings, patches, shots, and intrauterine devices (IUD). Hormonal birth control aids in acne improvement, excess hair growth reduction, and menstrual cycle regulation.

  2. Drug that makes insulin more sensitive: Metformin is a medication for diabetes. It functions by aiding insulin metabolism in your body. Some PCOS sufferers experience improvements in their menstrual cycles once insulin is under control.

  3. Drugs that block androgens: Some medications can prevent androgens from working. This aids in reducing acne or hair development brought on by PCOS. Find out if they are a good fit for you by speaking with your healthcare physician.

  4. Lifestyle modifications: Eating a balanced diet and losing weight can both lower insulin levels.

  5. Drugs that cause ovulation, or the release of an egg: The first stage of a healthy pregnancy is ovulation. It has been demonstrated that several medications can cause ovulation in PCOS women. While gonadotropins are administered intravenously, the medicines clomiphene and letrozole must be taken orally.

  6. Surgery: By eliminating structures in the ovaries that are releasing androgen hormones, ovarian drilling surgery can cause ovulation to occur. Surgeons now infrequently conduct this operation due to the availability of newer drugs.

  7. Invitro fertilisation (IVF), your partner's sperm fertilises your egg in a laboratory before being transported to your uterus. When taking medicine doesn't help with ovulation, PCOS women have this option.


Living Well with PCOS: Tips from Women with the Disorder

Here are some tips for living well with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) based on the experiences of women with the condition:

  1. Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet low in processed foods and high in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help regulate insulin levels and manage symptoms such as weight gain.

  2. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, running, or cycling, can help with weight management and improve insulin sensitivity.

  3. Manage stress: Stress can worsen symptoms of PCOS, so finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through mindfulness, meditation, or exercise, is important.

  4. Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help regulate hormones and manage symptoms such as fatigue.

  5. Work with a healthcare provider: Work with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms and needs. This may include medications, such as hormonal birth control or metformin, to regulate hormones and improve insulin sensitivity.

  6. Connect with others: Connecting with other women who have PCOS can provide support, encouragement, and a sense of community. Consider joining a support group or online community.


Conceiving With PCOS: Your Options and Challenges

Conceiving with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can be challenging, but there are options available to help women with the condition become pregnant.

Here are some of the options and challenges for conceiving with PCOS:

  • Ovulation induction: Ovulation induction involves taking medications to stimulate ovulation and increase the chances of conception.

  • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterus, which can increase the chances of conception.

  • In vitro fertilization (IVF): IVF involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory, and then transferring the resulting embryos back into the uterus.

  • Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly, can improve insulin sensitivity and regulate hormones, increasing the chances of conceiving.


Challenges in conceiving with PCOS include:

  • Infertility: PCOS can lead to infertility, as ovulation may be irregular or absent, making it more difficult to conceive.

  • Insulin resistance: Women with PCOS are often insulin resistant, which can make it more difficult to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.

  • Ovarian cysts: Ovarian cysts can disrupt ovulation, making it more difficult to conceive.


It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a plan for conceiving with PCOS. Treatments for PCOS are personalized, so the approach that works best for one woman may not work for another.

Conclusion

Altor Hospital is a highly regarded institution that provides top-quality care for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Altor Hospital has a team of highly trained and experienced healthcare professionals who specialize in the treatment of PCOS and adopts a multi-disciplinary approach towards PCOS treatment, which includes gynaecologists, endocrinologists, and dietitians. This approach ensures that each patient receives a customized treatment plan.  At Altor Hospital, patient comfort and well-being are of utmost importance. Patients can expect to receive compassionate care and support throughout their treatment journey.