What is the treatment?
Reproductive hormonal imbalance related disorder that affects women is called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). In this syndrome, fluid-filled cysts fill the ovary and causes it to get enlarged and stop functioning normally. Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones. This hormone imbalance causes them to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant.
The most common PCOS symptoms are irregular periods, heavy bleeding, acne, hair growth, weight gain, headache etc.
Treatment of PCOS depends on the symptoms and personal choices of pregnancy. hormonal birth control (most often birth control pills) is a standard treatment. Doctors recommend regular exercises, a healthy diet, weight control, to improve health conditions. To regulate the menstrual cycle, birth control pills are prescribed. Besides regulating periods, it helps to improve excess hair growth and acne. Pills that contain estrogen and progestin decrease androgen production and regulate estrogen. Progestin therapy can also regulate periods and protect against endometrial cancer. Surgery can be an option to improve fertility if the condition of the patient does not improve to the other treatments. Ovarian drilling is a procedure that makes tiny holes in the ovary with a laser or thin heated needle to restore normal ovulation.
How is the treatment done?
Medical treatment of PCOS aims at the treatment of metabolic derangements, anovulation, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularity. At first,, the doctor diagnoses the problem by questioning about medical history of symptoms such as irregular or skipped periods, weight changes, hair changes, and acne. Weight, vitals and a complete physical examination is carried out for better assessment. A number of lab tests may be prescribed which include pelvic exam, ultra sound, blood sugar and androgen level tests. A sonogram may also be done by the patients to evaluate the ovaries. If polycystic ovarian syndrome is diagnosed, then the doctor might recommend additional tests which include periodic checks of blood pressure, glucose tolerance, and cholesterol and triglyceride levels, screening for depression and anxiety and obstructive sleep apnoea.
Medical treatment usually begins with an oral contraceptive to induce regular menses. The contraceptive helps to inhibits ovarian androgen production and also aids to increase sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) production. If symptoms such as hirsutism are not sufficiently eradicated, the doctor tries a medicine such as metformin or clomiphene to help ovulation in the patient. Hormone therapy also can be used to help with male-type hair growth and acne. This therapy along with Androgen-lowering spironolactone (Aldactone) lower down the excessive growth of hair and other skin problems. Birth control pills, patches, or vaginal rings are prescribed for hormone therapy. Laser hair removal and electrolysis can help to get rid of unwanted hair on the face and body. Surgery can be an option to improve fertility if the patient does not show any major improvement in condition post other treatments. Ovarian drilling is a procedure that makes tiny holes in the ovary with a laser or thin heated needle to restore normal ovulation in the patient. A combination of surgery and metformin or letrozole can be used as a second line treatment in infertile women. Besides these, regular exercise, proper diet and sufficient sleep are prescribed by the doctor accordingly.
Who is eligible for the treatment? (When is the treatment done?)
People who have missed periods even if not pregnant or have irregular menstrual cycle, with excessive vaginal bleeding must consult a doctor immediately. When symptoms of polycystic ovarian disorder like hair growth on your face and body, diabetes with excess thirst or hunger, blurred vision, or unexplained weight loss occur, it is essential the person sees a specialist. Also women trying to conceive but not being successful, repeated mood swings can be symptoms of PCOS.
Who is not eligible for the treatment?
Sometimes irregularities and missed periods can be caused because of other problems. Hair fall can occur due to seasonal changes while weight gain can be addressed to over or improper intake of food. If symptoms do not persist and there are no additional problems or sufferings of the patient, then it might get better with some other diagnosis. In such cases, treatment of polycystic ovarian disorder is not necessary.
Are there any side effects?
Drugs which are usually used to treat PCOS have very low risk of severe adverse effects. But, there is an increased risk of multiple pregnancy (rarely more than twins) with these treatments. Metformin, a common drug that is used to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome can also lower insulin and blood sugar levels in women.Possible side effects of metformin include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea and loss of appetite. Another medication called gonadotrophins also provide a higher risk that they may overstimulate the ovaries and lead to multiple pregnancies. Apart from this, patients seldom face any adverse effect with the treatment of PCOS.
What are the post-treatment guidelines?
Post treatment, the person should maintain her medicines regularly and go for regular check ups. It is essential to visit the doctor once every month to confirm upon the condition. Also change of medicines can be opted for if the initials do not give effective results. The person should maintain a fit and healthy body by regular exercises, routine work out and eating healthy diet. Maintenance of a proper body weight can help decrease the effects of PCOS.
How long does it take to recover?
PCOD or PCOS is a chronic life-long disorder that has no permanent cure. There is no known cure to this problem but it can be managed within time depending on the severity of the hormonal imbalance. Symptomatic relief from PCOS can be achieved in about 6 months with regular medicines and exercises. However, the long term management of the condition usually continues for many years.
What is the price of the treatment in India?
Overall treatment of Polycystic ovarian syndrome does not require a great expenditure. However, constant check ups and tests may sum the amount to around Rs 6000 approximately.
Are the results of the treatment permanent?
Treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome does not include complete cure. The symptoms can be managed and brought under control post medicinal therapy. The medicines help to get periods on time and also check the insulin level. Also, exercises, which is the most vital therapy, help to cut down the extra weight one puts on due to polycystic ovaries.
What are the alternatives to the treatment?
This common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age can be managed alternatively by ayurvedic or homeopathic treatment. Treatment of PCOS in ayurveda include panchakarma and internal medication. Panchakarma procedures like udvartana, vamana, virechana and basti help to reduce body weight, remove toxins, decrease insulin resistance and regulate normal hormone secretion. Internal medications are used to destroy the cyst, stimulate ovulation, induce menstruation, regulate flow during menstruation etc. This treatment takes a long time. Also, homeopathic medicines are used. These medicines are mostly without any side effects and can help reduce the symptoms when consumed for a long time. Alongside, home remedies can help the person ease out. Use of hot water compression can lower pain. Vitamin D, apple acid vinegar, coconut oil, castor oil etc can be used to reduce the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
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