Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is the most common hormonal disorder in reproductive-aged women. The raised male hormone levels and higher insulin and blood sugar levels associated with PCOS put young girls at risk of developing infertility, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension leading to an increased risk of heart problems and uterine cancer.

The term “polycystic” means that there are a lot of tiny cysts or bumps inside the ovaries. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but what is known is that it has to do with hormone imbalances. With PCOS, your body will have high amounts of two hormones: androgen and insulin.

The hormonal imbalances can cause changes in your body’s ability to release an egg. It can also lead to irregular periods, ovarian cysts, trouble getting pregnant, and other symptoms.

An Indian study from the National Institute of Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH) reported PCOS in 1 out of 5 young girls between 15-24 years in Mumbai! Below we have discussed some of the PCOS symptoms and treatment methods.

PCOS Symptoms And Treatment

Sometimes the symptoms are seen around the time of the first period, while some only discover it later. The common symptoms include:

  • Irregular periods
  • Polycystic ovaries, aka ovarian cysts
  • Infertility or trouble getting pregnant
  • Excess hair on your face, chin, chest, belly, or thighs
  • Severe acne or oily skin
  • Dark skin patches under the breast, on the neck, or the groin
  • Hair loss
  • Unexplained weight gain or trouble losing weight

What are the tests available for PCOS?

Blood tests are mainly advised to rule out conditions that mimic PCOS. Blood tests are also done to screen for disorders frequently associated with PCOS, like Diabetes and high cholesterol.

PCOS Diagnosis and Treatment 

There is no special PCOS diagnosis and treatment. If you have some or most of the above signs, you can get the help of a doctor who can figure out if that is what's going on.

 

Your doctor will look at your skin and measure your weight and blood pressure. They will ask you about your periods, symptoms, and personal and family health history. They may also do a pelvic exam and run some blood tests to check your hormone levels. They might also recommend getting an ultrasound to check for ovarian cysts in some cases.

While there is no single cure for PCOS, taking medications and losing weight can help with your symptoms to a certain extent. Other things that can help include:

  • A healthy lifestyle for teenagers with regular moderate exercise, a well-balanced diet and staying away from habits such as smoking and alcohol is the first step for all women with PCOS and the best approach to reducing its severity
  • Excess hair can be treated with products and procedures like laser hair removal
  • Hormonal medications like birth control pills, and anti-androgen drugs help reduce hair related issues, and acne, and improve the menstrual cycles
  • Metformin (insulin-sensitizing drug) is commonly used to improve insulin resistance and lower androgen levels. It also has other positive effects, including lowering body mass and aiding weight loss
  • Ovulation inducing drugs may help infertile women
  • It is also important to manage emotional well-being

If you do not plan on becoming pregnant, the doctor might suggest hormonal birth control, IUD, birth control implant, pill, patch, or shot to treat your PCOS.

If you are trying to get pregnant, drugs that treat insulin resistance and certain fertility drugs may help. With good social and medical support and education, the quality of life of every PCOS-affected woman can be significantly improved.