What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age group. Its occurrence is quite common.
What are the hormonal changes associated with PCOS?
It consists of
- cysts occuring in the ovaries
- high levels of androgens (male hormones)
- irregular menstrual cycles
- disrupted ovulation
What causes PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. The causes may be due to complex interaction of genetic, environment and lifestyle factors.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Symptoms are due to hormonal imbalance and metabolic problems that affect overall health and appearance of the affected woman.
Obesity, weight gain. tiredness, unwanted hair growth (hirsutism – due to higher levels of androgen hormones circulating in the body). Hair loss (male pattern hair loss), infertility (common and treatable), acne due to hormonal changes, darkening of skin, mood changes, mood swings, lower abdomen pain may occur with periods, along with heavy bleeding. headaches. sleep problems (PCOS has been linked to a sleep disorder called sleep apnea – where a person stops breathing for short periods of time during sleep), insulin resistance (leading to metabolic changes like obesity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, low HDL “good” cholesterol, high LDL “bad” cholesterol)
How is it diagnosed?
History of menstrual disturbances or missed periods, acne, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), male pattern baldness, darkened skin patches.
Blood tests like DHEA (androgen hormone levels), LH, FSH (female reproductive hormones)
Ultrasound scan – showing cysts in the ovaries.
What are the treatment options?
Lifestyle modifications incorporating good diet and exercise, weight loss.
Estrogen (ethinyl estradiol)
Insulin sensitizers like metformin
Symptomatic treatments for hair loss, acne, hirsutism.
Anti-androgen agents. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.