Things Women Must Know About PCOS

PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome), a hormonal, metabolic condition affecting one of every 10 women of childbearing age, leaves many women confused and disturbed at diagnosis. Thus, having a deep understanding of PCOS is important to do timely and appropriate management of it. Keeping this in mind, here is a list of five key things about PCOS that women must be aware of. These are shared by a reputed reproductive gynaecologist who is renowned for providing the Best PCOS Treatment in Chembur.

Things Every Woman Needs to Know About PCOS

1. PCOS diagnosis is not straightforward.

There are multiple, varied PCOS signs and symptoms that an affected woman can experience. A simple blood work or reviewing of symptoms cannot just confirm PCOS. But, an age-old PCOS definition states that anyone who has any two of the following three symptoms will be diagnosed with PCOS:

• Ovulatory dysfunction/Abnormal menstrual cycle (all due to hormonal imbalance)

• Clinical/laboratory findings consistent with androgen excess, like excessive, male-patterned hair growth or loss, and acne breakouts

• Abdominal ultrasound showing multiple cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries.

• Sometimes, a blood test that detects high anti-mullerian hormone, produced by more cysts in the ovaries, can help diagnose PCOS.

2. Oral contraceptives cannot help fix PCOS.

Birth control pills can help manage irregular and unpredictable menstrual cycles, keep the uterine lining healthy, prevent endometrial cancer, and balance the level of androgen hormones. They can help treat or manage PCOS symptoms, making patients feel better, but they can’t cure PCOS, and taking them for long-term can be risky for those wanting pregnancy.

3. PCOS should not always be equated with infertility.

Not every woman with PCOS will have to struggle getting pregnant. Simply resuming the ovulatory function of the ovaries and bringing menses to normal ensures conception.

4. PCOS is more than just a fertility diagnosis.

Those who have PCOS have to not worry about their fertility or when to build their own family. PCOS is a lifelong condition that can be associated with long-term health risks like hypercholesterolemia, diabetes risk, and other metabolic disorders.

5. Lifestyle modifications are a must for PCOS patients, but should not be the only recommended treatment.

Healthy lifestyle choices, including proper diet, active routine, enough sleep, no smoking/alcohol/recreational drugs, and stress management in healthy ways, can all help manage PCOS symptoms and reduce serious health risks. But lifestyle optimization for good reproductive health is not a step to cure PCOS. It has to be done along with the doctor’s tailored, comprehensive care. Other treatments, including medications and laparoscopic ovarian drilling, can’t be ignored if required.

Struggling with PCOS? Don't ignore the symptoms. Visit a trusted and Best Gynecologist In Chembur, Dr. Amrita Tandon, for expert advice and individualized treatment. She has helped many women suffering from this condition and managed it effectively.