PCOS Treatment
Personalized hormonal balancing and lifestyle management for polycystic ovary syndrome.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of childbearing age. It occurs when a woman’s body doesn’t produce enough of the hormones needed to ovulate, leading to the development of small fluid-filled sacs (cysts) in the ovaries and an overproduction of androgens (male hormones).
PCOS vs. PCOD: Understanding the Difference
While often used interchangeably, PCOS and PCOD are distinct conditions with different levels of severity and impact on health.
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)
- Considered a localized ovarian disorder.
- Affects nearly 1/3rd of menstruating women globally.
- Pregnancy is often possible with lifestyle changes.
- Milder hormonal imbalance.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- A more serious metabolic/endocrine disorder.
- Affects 4% to 20% of reproductive-age women.
- Requires medical intervention for conception.
- Linked to diabetes and heart risks.
Causes, Risk Factors & Symptoms
While the exact cause is unknown, insulin resistance, obesity, and genetics (mother or sister having PCOS) are major risk factors. Common symptoms include:
- Irregular or light periods
- Excess body hair (hirsutism)
- Acne or oily skin
- Weight gain (belly fat)
- Thinning hair or baldness
- Fertility issues
Diagnosis & Treatment Options
At Nagar IVF Centre, we use ultrasound (to check ovarian cysts) and blood tests (for androgen levels) for accurate diagnosis. Treatment is personalized based on your goals:
A. Fertility Focus (Planning Pregnancy)
We prioritize weight management through diet/exercise and use specific medicines to stimulate healthy ovulation, increasing your chances of natural or assisted conception.
B. Long-Term Management
If pregnancy isn't immediate, we focus on birth control pills or diabetes medication to regulate cycles, lower insulin resistance, and reduce external symptoms like acne and hair growth.
Key Complications & Management
Untreated PCOS increases risks for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and uterine cancer. However, with consistent lifestyle management and expert guidance from our fertility specialists, these symptoms can be successfully managed.
Key Points about PCOS
- PCOS is a very common hormone problem for women of childbearing age.
- Women with PCOS may not ovulate, have high levels of androgens, and have many small cysts on the ovaries.
- PCOS can cause missed or irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, infertility, and weight gain.
- Women with PCOS may be at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and endometrial cancer.
