Symptoms Causes Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a typical hormonal imbalance disorder found in women of reproductive age, most of the symptoms can be managed well with the right diagnosis and treatment.

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is a condition where a woman's ovaries make more male hormones (androgens) than is normal and causes irregular periods, problems with ovulating and symptoms such as excessive hair growth or acne. It is estimated to occur in about 10% of women around the world and is a major cause of infertility.

Common PCOS Symptoms

PCOS symptoms can manifest differently for each woman, but the most common symptoms are:

• Irregular or absent periods: Cycles greater than 35 days, less than 8 periods/year and no periods for months.
• Excess hair growth: More than 70% women with PCOS have this, Presence of hair on face, chest, abdomen or thighs.
• Persistent or resistant acne or oily skin: Common and difficult to treat.
• Difficulty losing weight or gaining weight: As many as 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese.
• Female hair loss: Hair loss on top of the head.
• Dark, velvety skin patches: Usually on neck, armpits, or groin sign of insulin resistance
• Infertility: Irregular or absent ovulation
• Changes in mood, increased risk of depression and anxiety

Not all women will have every symptom and some will have very mild symptoms while others are more severe.

PCOS Causes: How it happens?

Exact PCOS causes are not fully known and understood, but there can be several factors as given below

1. Insulin Resistance

There are many women who have PCOS that have cells which don't respond well to insulin. The body attempts to make up for this by increasing insulin production, which increases androgen production, and this causes an irregularity in the regular ovulation.

2. Hormonal Imbalance

High androgens (such as testosterone) block the development and release of eggs and cause irregular periods and ovarian cysts.

3. Genetics

It is likely that PCOS tends to be inherited. You are at greater risk if your mother or sister has it.

4. Low-Grade Inflammation

A few studies indicate that chronic inflammation may encourage the production of androgens, but the research is ongoing.

5. Lifestyle Factors

Insulin resistance and its symptoms can be exacerbated by poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress, but these factors do not directly contribute to the causes of PCOS.

How Is PCOS Diagnosis Made?

There’s no single test for PCOS diagnosis. The Rotterdam Criteria, which a doctor would use to diagnose the condition, state that at least 2 of the following 3 features must be present after excluding other causes:

• Ovulatory dysfunction: Irregular or no period.
• Hyperandrogenism: Clinical meaning hirsutism, acne; biochemical is high Testosterone on blood test.
• Multiple small follicles (>12 per ovary) or increased ovarian volume on ultrasound are associated with polycystic ovaries.

Indicative of diagnostic steps taken:

Medical history and physical exam: looking for hirsutism, acne, weight fluctuations and menstruation.

Blood tests: Testosterone, LH, FSH, thyroid, prolactin, glucose, insulin, lipid profile.

Pelvic ultrasound: A procedure which examines the structure of the ovary.

Exclusion of other conditions: Thyroid disorders, high prolactin, congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

It is important to do PCOS diagnosis early to avoid any future issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or endometrial cancer.

PCOS Treatment Options

PCOS treatment is tailored to the individual according to their symptoms, health objectives, and metabolic risk. There is no cure, but symptoms are very controllable.

1. Lifestyle changes

• Weight loss: Periods may become regular and insulin sensitivity becomes better after just a few pounds of weight loss, with a 5–10% weight loss.
• Eat a balanced diet: low glycemic, high fibre foods, avoid refined carbs and sugars.
• Regular exercise: 150+ minutes/week of moderate intensity physical activity like walking, cycling, strength building.
• Stress: Yoga, meditation, good sleep.

• Estrogen/progestin : Control cycles, prevent acne/hirsutism, minimize risk of endometrial cancer.
• Metformin: This increases insulin sensitivity, can help with weight loss and may be helpful for getting ovulation back.
• Anti-androgens: These drugs are used to decrease excessive hair growth and acne.
• Applying creams: Eflornithine cream to facial hair; acne medications.

• Ovulation induction: Use first line drugs to induce ovulation.
• Metformin + lifestyle: Women who are insulin resistant and attempting to conceive.
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): IVF when medications don't work.
• Ovarian surgery: This is rarely performed and only for certain cases.

4. Long-Term Health Monitoring

• Women who suffer from PCOS should undergo regular screening for:
• The blood glucose test and HbA1c levels are used to diagnose type 2 diabetes with fasting glucose, HbA1c.
• High cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Endometrial health if periods continue to be irregular
• A mental health questionnaire for  depression/anxiety screening

Why opt for a Gynecology Hospital in Jaipur for PCOS Treatment?

A multidisciplinary approach is required for managing PCOS: gynecology, endocrinology, nutrition, and mental health. A dedicated gynecology hospital in Jaipur caters to:

• Expert diagnosis: accurate diagnosis of PCOS with ultrasound, hormone blood tests and metabolic screening.
• Individualized treatment plans: Customized based on your symptoms, fertility and lifestyle goals
• A one-stop shop of advanced facilities: In-house labs, imaging and counselling in a single place.
• Continuity of care: routine follow-up checks to track progress and modify treatment
• Jaipur Vatika Hospital is the best gynecology hospital in Jaipur where senior gynecologists are dedicated to ensuring the overall well-being of women.

Tips to find the Best Gynecologist in Jaipur for PCOS.

Consider the following tips for choosing a gynecologist in Jaipur:

• Specialization in PCOS & reproductive endocrinology
• Caring approach: Opens up to your concerns, communicates clearly
• Holistic care: treats the whole person, not only the symptoms, in regard to weight, mental health, long term risk.
• Good patient feedback: Particularly in relation to PCOS management and fertility support.

The best gynecologist in Jaipur for PCOS at Jaipur Vatika Hospital provides caring and evidence-based treatment for PCOS.

Red flags: When to seek immediate care.

If you experience any of the following, contact a gynecologist in Jaipur, ASAP:

• Sudden, intense pain in the pelvis area.
• Excessive bleeding into the pad/hour.
• Diabetes symptoms (excessive thirst, urination, and vision changes)
• Thoughts about suicide or depression that is very bad.

Conclusion

With the appropriate approach, PCOS can be managed. With knowledge of PCOS symptoms, knowledge of the causes of PCOS (such as insulin resistance) and knowledge of the treatment plan for PCOS, you can take control again of your health and fertility. If you're looking for expert care, then you can rely on Jaipur Vatika Hospital, the best hospital in Jaipur and the leading gynecology hospital in Jaipur. To get the best gynecologist in Jaipur support, book your appointment today at JVH E-Consult app or a walk-in today.