Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which a woman has an imbalance of sex hormones and often leads to infertility. This may lead to irregular menstrual cycles, cysts in the ovaries, difficulty conceiving and other health changes. It affects more women in east India than the rest of the country, according to a study. If not treated effectively, PCOS can also open the door to some more serious health concerns such as Diabetes and Heart Disease.
What causes PCOS ?
Despite the medical advancements there is still some confusion throughout the medical world as to what causes PCOS. It is widely thought to have a genetic link however, this is yet to be scientifically proven.
At Dr. Rita Bakshi’s clinic, many women who suffer from PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries, thus the name polycystic ovary syndrome which can lead to terrible hormone imbalances. PCOS has to be understood in a broader way and it is not all about cysts. It is actually a combination of cosmetic, gynaecological and metabolic symptoms. Cosmetic symptoms include facial hair, weight gain, thinning of the scalp and acne, while gynaecological symptoms include irregular periods, which usually start in adolescence. Infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss also affects women in the reproductive age. This is why, early diagnosis and treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent health problems.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis of PCOS is made on the basis of irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Various treatments are available for the management of PCOS; the choice primarily depends on the problem for which the patient seeks help.
If the cause of infertility is more complex, ovarian stimulation alone may not be sufficient, and a more sophisticated approach may be needed. Some of these patients will require in vitro fertilization (IVF) to manage their infertility. Our IVF clinic in India also provides treatment to women with PCOS in order to increase their chance of getting pregnant.
How common is it ?
Women with PCOS currently affects up to 5 million women in the United States. According to a recent study, In India about 18 per cent of women suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a disorder which causes infertility among the fairer sex. The increasing trend of PCOS is predominantly seen in the child bearing age group of 15 to 30 years and is a characteristic amalgamation of cosmetic, gynecological and metabolic symptoms. The researchers also found that as many as 25.88% women of east India were affected by PCOS, followed by 19.88% in west India, 18.62% in north India and 18% in the south. With the proper treatment, PCOS can be managed for the long-term and patients can live relatively symptom free.
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