What Is PCOS ?

PCOS: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), also called PMOS, is a hormonal condition that affects roughly 1 in 5 Indian women. It is common, manageable, and not your fault. Despite the name, it is not just about cysts. It is about how your hormones, ovaries, and metabolism work together.

Common symptoms

●       Irregular, infrequent, or missed periods

●       Acne, oily skin, or excess hair on the face and body

●       Hair thinning on the scalp

●       Weight gain, especially around the abdomen

●       Darkening of skin around the neck or underarms

●       Difficulty conceiving

Not everyone has every symptom. Some women have mainly irregular periods, others mainly acne or weight issues.

What causes it

There is no single cause. It usually involves a mix of:

●       Insulin resistance, which raises hormone levels that affect the ovaries

●       Higher levels of male hormones (androgens)

●       Family history

●       Lifestyle factors that can make symptoms worse, though they do not cause PCOS on their own

How it is diagnosed

A doctor looks at your cycle history and symptoms, may order blood tests (hormones, thyroid, sugar), and a pelvic ultrasound. On the scan, polycystic ovaries are ovaries with many small follicles, usually 10 or more in each ovary. These are normal egg-containing follicles, not cysts. Having this scan appearance alone does not mean you have PCOS, and some women with PCOS do not show it.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on what bothers you most:

●       Lifestyle: regular movement, balanced meals, and even a 5 to 10% weight loss where needed can improve cycles and hormones

●       Medicines to regulate periods, reduce acne and hair growth, or improve insulin sensitivity

●       Fertility treatment when you are planning pregnancy

FAQs

Do all women with PCOS have cysts?No. The diagnosis depends on a combination of symptoms, tests, and scan findings.

Is PCOS only in overweight women?No. Women with normal weight can have PCOS too. It’s called lean PCOS

PCOS looks different in every woman, and so should the treatment. Dr. Sonal Kotdawala will look at your symptoms, your goals, and build a plan that fits your life. Kotdawala Hospitals, Bhulabhai Park and Paldi, Ahmedabad. Book a consultation →