PCOS | Symptoms, Causes and Treatment for Infertility
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a very common hormone disorder and affects young adolescents and 5-10% of women during their reproductive age. This is one of the leading causes of infertility among women.
Main Symptoms of PCOS:
- Irregular periods
- Difficulty in getting pregnant due to problems with ovulation
- Excessive facial and body hair growth
- Hair loss or acne due to higher levels of male hormones
Other health issues in PCOS:
- Increased risk of Type 2 diabetes,
- Risk of developing High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
In women with regular menstrual cycles, every month an egg develops and is released in the mid cycle. Therefore, there is a 20% chance of conception every month. However, in women with PCOS, egg development and egg release does not happen or happens very irregularly. This is due to hormonal imbalance and affects the chance of conception naturally.
In first visit to our centre, following the consultation with our fertility specialist, the patient will have some blood tests and ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of PCOS is based on the presenting complaint of the patient
- If pregnancy is not desired and irregular periods is the main issue on oral contraceptive pill is often recommended to regularise the periods. If patient does prefer OCP, then progesterone withdrawal bleeding is recommended.
- If excess facial hair is an issue, then certain medications are recommended. Most often cosmetic therapies are most useful.
- A significant proportion of women with PCOS are overweight or obese which worsens the problem. A 5-10% loss of body weight helps with better chances of conception.
- If fertility is desired, after initial work up the patient is started on fertility medication (oral or injectable gonadotropins) to induce ovulation. There are simple medications, which can be taken to facilitate egg growth and release under the supervision of fertility specialist, which helps in achieving a pregnancy.
- Some patients may have other associated fertility problems apart from anovulation. They may need IUI or IVF/ICSI depending on the underlying problem.
- Long-term risk of development of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. So, women with PCOS should focus on healthy lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about PCOS, fertility, diagnosis and treatment at Southern Gem Hospital in Hyderabad.
What is PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a very common hormone disorder that affects young adolescents and 5-10% of women during their reproductive age. It is one of the leading causes of infertility among women. In women with PCOS, egg development and egg release does not happen or happens very irregularly due to hormonal imbalance, which affects the chance of natural conception.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
The main symptoms of PCOS are irregular periods, difficulty in getting pregnant due to problems with ovulation, excessive facial and body hair growth (hirsutism), and hair loss or acne due to higher levels of male hormones.
Other health issues associated with PCOS include an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
How does PCOS affect fertility?
In women with regular menstrual cycles, an egg usually develops and is released in the middle of the cycle, providing an opportunity for conception each month. However, in women with PCOS, egg development and egg release may not happen or may occur very irregularly due to hormonal imbalance. This can significantly reduce the chance of natural conception.
How is PCOS diagnosed at Southern Gem Hospital?
During the first visit to Southern Gem Hospital, following a consultation with the fertility specialist, the patient will have blood tests and an ultrasound to help confirm the diagnosis of PCOS.
What is the treatment for PCOS?
Treatment of PCOS is based on the patient's presenting concerns:
1. If pregnancy is not desired and irregular periods are the main issue, oral contraceptive pills are often recommended to help regulate periods.
2. If excess facial hair is an issue, certain medications and cosmetic therapies may be recommended.
3. A 5-10% reduction in body weight can help improve the chances of conception in overweight women with PCOS.
4. If fertility is desired, fertility medications, including oral medicines or injectable gonadotropins, may be used to induce ovulation.
5. Some patients may need IUI or IVF/ICSI depending on other associated fertility problems.
6. Women with PCOS should focus on a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet and regular exercise to reduce long-term risks of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
Can women with PCOS get pregnant?
Yes. Women with PCOS can achieve pregnancy with the right treatment. A holistic, personalised approach is needed to help with fertility. Once this is done, simple treatments such as fertility medications to induce ovulation are often sufficient to achieve pregnancy. Some women may need IUI or IVF/ICSI depending on other associated fertility problems. Southern Gem Hospital, Hyderabad has successfully helped many women with PCOS achieve pregnancy.
Is PCOS treatment available at Southern Gem Hospital Hyderabad?
Yes. Southern Gem Hospital, Hyderabad offers comprehensive PCOS diagnosis and treatment at both its Basheerbagh and Banjara Hills branches. Treatment is performed by Dr. Sweta Agarwal, Director of Fertility and Gynaecology. For appointments, call +91 40 6658 5555 or +91 80964 14440.