Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Hello!

I am Dr. Sonali Tawde. I am a practicing gynecologist and fertility specialist. Today we will discuss about PCOS. What is PCOS? It is polycystic ovarian syndrome which is a complex endocrine disorder mainly seen in the reproductive age group in up to 30% of the females. It is the single most common cause of female infertility. When we want to diagnose PCOS we have to have 2-3 key features which include the absence of ovulation, the rise in the male hormone level called testosterone or DHS and sonographic appearance of polycystic ovaries.

They usually present to us with irregular cycles or infertility mainly because of the ovulatory disturbances. Sometimes especially the young females or college going girls present to us with acne and excessive hair growth on the face and chest. 80 to 90% of these females are either overweight or obese. The severity of the symptoms is directly proportional to the degree of weight gain. In later life, they are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, an increase in the cholesterol level and hence the metabolic syndrome.

The treatment mainly depends upon the symptoms and duration of the patient. The mainstay of the management will remain lifestyle modification which includes diet, nutrition, exercise and weight loss. If they coming to us for fertility issues then the treatment depends upon the husband's semen parameters, the tubal potency reports and other associated pathological reports. It usually starts from simple ovulation induction with follicular scans to IUI which is Intrauterine Insemination.

If it fails to achieve pregnancy then they may have to go for IVF or ICSI. If they are coming to us for irregular cycles then the medication does help them to get regular menses. One has to remember that PCOS is the condition which cannot be cured but can be definitely controlled. Your participation in the management of PCOS plays an equally important role as that of us. So if any of you is suffering from PCOS, please consult your specialist or gynecologist.

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Thank you!