PCOS - Polycystic ovaries

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a condition that cannot be cured or prevented. However, PCOS should be treated by a Gynecologist who is well versed in its management, as it can lead to fertility issues, menstrual irregularity, obesity, hormonal imbalance with increased male hormone causing acne and facial hair growth and skin discoloration and sometimes diabetes. It involves enlarged ovaries associated with a hormone disorder. The ovaries develop persistent cysts on the edges that lead to several significant health problems for women. Women who have PCOS have hormonal fluctuations that cause erratic periods, which makes it difficult to get pregnant. Doctors believe that among other causes PCOS has to do with genes and environmental factors.

If you have symptoms of PCOS, these will be mild at the onset and gradually will worsen as you age. The most noticeable signs of PCOS are an increased amount of thick, dark hair on the face, neck, back, stomach, and chest area. At the same time you could have thinning hair on your head. You may also suffer from acne that isn’t treatable by conventional acne medications.

Along with excessive weight gain you are likely to have trouble losing weight. The most noticeable reproductive problem with PCOS is irregular and or infrequent periods. You may not have any periods at all, or your periods will be heavier than normal. This can lead to fertility problems due to lack of ovulation, as well as depression due to hormonal fluctuations, body image issues, and the inability to get pregnant.

As your OBGYN Dr. Madhav treats PCOS using various methods and medications. Generally he uses birth control pills to help you regulate your periods and reduce your acne. Depending on the severity of your PCOS he may recommend you take, anti-diabetic medication, and Spironolactone in addition to the Birth Control Pills that help the situation by various mechanisms. Also Ovulation Induction treatment may be needed to assist in getting pregnant

If you are interested in removing hair he may recommend other treatments. Other ways you can treat PCOS include regular physical exercise and dietary control to help with weight loss. This can also help you to reduce the chances of developing diabetes and dyslipidemia-issues with cholesterol  and related higher risk of heart disease and associated with PCOS.

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