How Do I know that I have PCOS?

PCOS is the most common health problem in most women due to various factors. 

The last decade has seen an increase in the incidence of PCOS. It stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and it’s a hormonal disorder which occurs in women usually at reproductive age.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but there are some factors which are directly responsible for PCOS like genetics, and environmental factors including lifestyle. PCOS may occur both in Lean and obese women and can be seen in young girls also. It can start even when a girl is 15 or 25 or in a 35-year-old woman.

There are 3 main features of PCOS

1. Irregular Menstruation: Ovaries fail to produce eggs regularly and cause irregular periods
2. Excess androgens: Male hormones will be produced in high quantities and result in facial hair
3. Polycystic ovaries: ovaries will be enlarged and contain fluid-filled sacs

After knowing the 3 major features of PCOS, let's now know more about the common symptoms of PCOS.

• Irregular periods (The cycle may be for more than 40 to 60 days or no periods at all)
• Weight gain
• Facial hair growth (Hirsutism)
• Thinning of hair or hair loss
• Acne
• Infertility
• Subfertility 

An interesting fact is that even if your periods are regular, you can have PCOS as you have what we call “anovulatory cycles”. 

PCOS affects the other organs, mainly the endocrine and leads to high blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance. 

If any of the women are suffering from any of the above symptoms, they should consult the doctor.

Diagnosis of Method

• Ultrasound scan: The scan will help in checking the cyst, size of ovaries and endometrium thickness
• Blood test: levels of Androgen and insulin resistance can be checked 

Types 

1. Insulin-resistant PCOS – Most common type of PCOS and may be due to a sedentary lifestyle.
2. Pill Induced PCOS – caused due to birth control pills and suppresses ovulation.
3. Inflammatory ovulation – due to inflammation the ovulation is prevented and causes hormonal imbalance and excess androgens.
4. Hidden PCOS – To address the Hidden PCOS may take 3 to 4 months to resolve it. Due to Thyroid issues also PCOS occurs.

To know more about PCOS visit: https://vivekanandahealth.com/pcod-pcos-treatment/

By Dr. Anitha Banakar BNYS