A Comprehensive Guide to Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

by Indira IVF Indira IVF Center For IVF, IUI, ICSI Treatment

PCOS is a common hormonal health problem that many individuals are facing in today’s world. Women usually recognise that something’s amiss when their menstrual cycle is irregular or if they face fertility issues. PCOS stands for Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. This is a condition where the sequence of hormonal balances in the body is disrupted due to various elements and this leads to many problems in the overall health of the woman.

What happens in PCOS?

In this condition, the patient has increased levels of androgens, which are male hormones and consequently low levels of female hormones. The female hormones are responsible for a cascade of events that take place within the human body. This includes the process of release of egg from the follicle, increase and decrease in certain hormonal levels and, when the conditions are right, provide a suitable environment for implantation and nourishment of a fertilized egg. In case of PCOS, ovulation becomes difficult and this leads to infertility. Apart from that, the follicle forms fluid filled cysts which cause painful and irregular menstrual cycles.

What are the symptoms and problems of PCOS?

There is a wide range of problems associated with PCOS. It varies from person to person but the general overview is the same. Here are some of the PCOS problems:

• Irregular menses- Women who are affected with PCOS have very irregular menstrual cycles with many skipped cycles.

• Painful menstrual cycles- In the few cycles that the patient does have, the menstrual cramps are very painful and heavy.

• Infertility- A patient is considered infertile if she cannot conceive even after unprotected sex for a whole year. This condition is a prevalent symptom of PCOS as the eggs are not released due to hormonal imbalances.

• Secondary sexual characters- Due to increased androgens, the patient may develop secondary male sexual characters like facial hair and hirsutism.

• Hyperglycaemia- Sometimes, especially if the patient is obese, they may end up developing hyperglycaemia. This is because of the resistance to insulin produced by the body.

What are the treatment options for PCOS?

The main mode of treatment for PCOS is through the management of a healthy lifestyle rather than medical treatment. The patient needs to come to terms with the condition, and learn to manage their health by understanding what works for them.

Some of the PCOS treatments are:

Drug therapies: Pharmacological treatment mainly deals with controlling the symptoms and side effects.

Some of the commonly prescribed medicines for PCOS are:

• Birth control tablets: Birth control tablets are primarily made of oestrogen and progesterone. They reduce the levels of androgen and thereby control some of the symptoms. They bring about regular menstrual cycle which also reduces the risk of endometrial cancer.

• Progestin: Progestin therapy is mainly used to regulate the menstrual cycle and this will not balance the androgen levels.

• Pills for ovulation- There are many tablets that would make one ovulate. Some of these are metformin, letrozole, clomiphene etc.

• Spironolactone: This medication prevents hair growth on the skin. Spironolactone is a diuretic, which means it increases the production of urine in the body. This helps in regulating the high levels of androgen, thereby reducing the amount of hair growth and acne. It is to be noted that the woman is not trying to conceive if they are on spironolactone.

Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes are one of the most important components of treatment for PCOS. Some of the changes that one can bring about in their life is:

• Physical exercise- A bit of physical fitness is essential especially when it comes to the controlling of cholesterol levels.

• Healthy diet: PCOS diet changes are very essential to the treatment. The patient must avoid food that is rich in cholesterol, fats, carbohydrate. Processed food and food rich in salt must also be avoided. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables into the meal plan, so that the required quantity of fibre, vitamins and minerals are also replenished.

• Drink plenty of water: This is one of the most important elements in lifestyle changes as water helps to flush out toxins and balance the hormonal levels in the body.

• Reduce the intake of sugar in the body so that the risk of hyperglycaemia does not progress into full-blown diabetes mellitus.

Follow-up: Follow-up is an important part of fertility treatment of any condition and especially for PCOS. The doctor keeps a close check on the hormonal levels of the patient to see if the treatment is effective, if the symptoms are regulated and if there are any adverse reactions to the treatment plan.

By making small changes to our lives, a lot of chemical treatment can be avoided. Besides, the patient will be able to manage her PCOS by making a few of these simple changes.