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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome on Rise Among Indian Women

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an extremely common hormonal disorder affecting 3% to 26% women of reproductive age. Out of every 10 women diagnosed with PCOS, 6 are teenage girls. Hormonal imbalance in PCOS leads to multiple cysts in the ovary hence the name Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

How does it work?
The ovaries of the women affected by PCOS make too much of the male hormone, androgen, which hampers ovulation. The cysts further produce more androgen which continues to suppress ovulation. Though patients present with varied symptoms, the hallmarks of the disease are hyperandrogenism (excessive level of male hormone) and chronic Anovulation (absence of ovulation). PCOS may lead to infertility in many women. PCOS should be diagnosed as early as possible to minimize risk of various health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Symptoms of PCOS:
• Obesity (yet there are others who may be very lean.)
• Hirsutism (excessive hair growth), male pattern baldness and acne.
• Acanthosis nigricans- a brown to black, velvety hyper pigmentation of the skin.
• Multiple cysts in ovaries.
• Absence/Irregularity of periods.

Some of the other Risk Factors associated with PCOS:
• Diabetes
• Higher risk of heart attacks
• Hypertension
• High Cholesterol
• Sleep Apnea
• Risk of endometrial cancer
• Higher rate of Miscarriages
• Higher risk of Gestational diabetes

Diagnosis
• Medical History
Includes questions about your menstrual cycle, pregnancy history or infertility, weight changes, sleep patterns,

• Physical Examination
Includes measuring- blood pressure, weight, etc and examining for hair growth, skin discoloration, skin tags, acne and thinning of hair.

• Blood Tests
May include tests for- testosterone, DHEA and fasting glucose.

• Vaginal Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound to look for multiple cysts.

Treatment
PCOS doesn’t have a cure but lifestyle modifications are helpful. Treatment may include:
• Weight management
• Healthy diet and exercise
• Birth control pills
• Type II diabetes medication

Can I conceive with PCOS?
Great majority of women with PCOS can conceive with treatment. Depending on patient history, treatment may vary from fertility drugs to invasive techniques like ICSI-IVF.