Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and hormonal disorder that is incurable but treatable and manageable by a competent Fertility Centre. Polycystic ovary syndrome can start as early as at the onset of puberty and is one of the biggest factors of infertility in women requiring Female Fertility Treatment.

PCOS can manifest itself from puberty itself depending on genetic factors. If one or more close blood relative is suffering from PCOS then it is necessary to get the teenagers assessed for PCOS as early as possible because early diagnosis can help stimulate fertility, normalise menstrual cycles, and protect against PCOS-related risks such as diabetes, ovarian cancer symptoms, heart disease and endometrial cancer.

The criteria for PCOS diagnosis: Irregular periods and no ovulation is a symptom caused due to a hormonal imbalance. Consequently, some women with PCOS will have irregular periods like multiple times in a month, once every few months, or not at all. Periods, often times, can be heavy and painful. Basically, if a woman has 8 or fewer menstrual cycles per year, then she could be a case for PCOS.

The main cause of infertility is the lack of ovulation or release of an egg from the ovary. For women with PCOS and who are overweight, a controlled diet coupled with exercise can restore ovulation without medications. Medication may be required in other cases.

Other symptoms and manifestations of PCOS:

• Darkening of the skin in the folds of neck, upper/inner thighs, under breasts, between fingers.
• Endometrial hyperplasia — is a symptom, resulting from the lack of ovulation,
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol and triglycerides
• Pre-pubertal early extra hair growth
• Severe acne
• Scalp hair loss
• Unexplained weight gain – can entail in irregular periods
• Increased risk for cardiovascular disease
• Infertility or lack of ovulation

Physical Signs to look out for:

• Unnatural hair growth under chin, and upper lip
• Stubborn Acne
• Body weight
• Irregularities in the ovaries-by ultra sound or physical check

Treatment for PCOS

For Women with PCOS, wanting to conceive and desiring to be mothers have to resort to medical interventions by Fertility Centre in order to get pregnant and to avoid complications associated with the disease. Generally treatment involves diet, exercise and medication. In cases where medication is ineffective the fertility centres have other services like

• Egg freezing
• Embryo freezing
• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
• Quality of life

Quality of life

Impaired quality of life from body image causes negative effects such as fatigue, disturbed sleep, and poor eating habits. And there is growing evidence that mood swings, mostly acute depression are common in PCOS women.

Additionally, most PCOS women feel emotionally and psychologically low, unfeminine, and embarrassed due to unwanted hair growth. Empathising how a woman feels about her body image and help to improve the perception is an essential component for any management treatment plan.

There is no single test to diagnose PCOS, despite being such a common disorder, Doctors have to co-relate symptoms, blood tests, a physical exam, and sometimes a pelvic ultrasound to determine PCOS diagnosis. Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre has all the expertise in diagnosing PCOS, treatment and advice for infertility. Visit us today!

Written By

Dr. Aishwarya V. Mathikatti

MS (OBG), Diploma in Reproductive Medicine (Germany), Diploma in Ultrasonography, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology Infertility

Dr. Aishwarya has an experience of over 7 years. She is very passionate about artificial reproductive techniques and she constantly updates herself with the latest techniques.