PCOS – Its Diagnosis and Treatment
Dr. Rafeekha P
KIMSHEALTH Trivandrum
Obstetrics & Gynecology
PCOS – Its Diagnosis and Treatment
Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is an increasingly common problem in females and has to do with hormones that have gone out of balance. Most females with PCOS develop small cysts in their ovaries which may not necessarily be harmful, but they sure do lead to hormonal imbalances. This can result in irregular or abnormal periods, reduced fertility, acne and excessive hair growth.
Treatment usually includes a changeover into a healthier lifestyle and diet, weight loss and treatment of individual symptoms. A number of long-term health problems can also arise, including heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, so a change in lifestyle is strongly recommended. However, early detection and treatment is the best way of preventing long-term effects.
Causes
Females possess two marble-sized ovaries that are involved in producing eggs as well as estrogen and progesterone hormone production. To a smaller level, they also produce androgen, the male hormone. It’s believed that the cells in females with PCOS are insulin resistant, hence inducing more insulin production and consequent over-stimulation of ovaries to produce androgens. This results in problems with follicle maturation, resulting in anovulatory cycles, period irregularity or absence of periods altogether and an inability to get pregnant. Insulin resistance may also lead to weight gain and diabetes in later stages. The luteinizing hormone (LH) is also found to be raised along with the insulin, resulting in excessive hair on the body and thinning of hair on the scalp and sometimes changes in the voice if left untreated. Though it’s still not very clear, it’s believed that hereditary factors also play a role, with PCOS being passed down from either father or mother’s side.
Symptoms
In some people there are no symptoms initially or very mild ones only. Others may develop some of the following:
- Acne
- Excessive hair on the face and body, especially the chest, belly and back
- Thinning scalp hair
- Irregular periods, light periods, heavy periods or no periods at all
- Inability to get pregnant
- Change in voice, becoming deeper with time
- Depression, when the changes become too obvious
Diagnosis
This includes detailed history of menstrual cycles, physical examination for body hair, blood pressure and BMI. The blood is also checked for blood sugar and insulin and LH hormone levels. The final test will be an ultrasound scan of the pelvic area which will confirm the presence of multiple cysts in the ovary and indisputably confirm the diagnosis of PCOS.
Treatment
A complete change in lifestyle is usually recommended ranging from exercise, diet and weight control being the key changes.
- Include moderate to vigorous activity in your daily regime; walking is a great way to exercise.
- Indulge in a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and cereals. Cut down on the delicious meats, cheese and fried foods.
- It will also help to lose some weight since as little as 5kg can mean the difference between a better control over the hormones and menstrual cycles.
- Quit smoking (if you are a smoker) as female smokers have higher androgen levels.
Your doctor may also prescribe birth control pills and/or metformin to help regulate the cycles and symptoms. It’s important to continue follow-up and have regular check-ups for related long-term health problems. And if you are feeling depressed, it always helps to talk about it with someone who cares….
Related Blogs
Can Epilepsy Be Cured Permanently? Treatment Options Explained
At KIMSHEALTH, expert neurologists provide advanced epilepsy diagnosis and treatment in Thiruvananthapuram using modern technologies including Video EEG monitoring and epilepsy surgery.
Diet and Lifestyle Before and After Liver Transplant
Nutrition and lifestyle choices play an important role both before and after liver transplant. Proper care supports recovery, reduces complications, and improves long-term health.
Life After Liver Transplant: Recovery and Long-Term Care
Recovery after liver transplant varies from person to person. With appropriate medical care and follow-up, most people experience significant improvement in health and quality of life.
Liver Transplant Eligibility and Evaluation: How Doctors Decide
Not everyone with liver disease requires a transplant. Liver transplant eligibility is determined through a detailed medical evaluation designed to assess disease severity, overall health, and the likelihood of long-term benefit from transplantation.
Liver Transplant Outcomes and Long-Term Survival
Liver transplantation has become an effective treatment with improving outcomes worldwide. Advances in surgery, medication, and post-transplant care have significantly increased survival rates and quality of life.
Liver Transplant: Overview, When It Is Needed, and What to Expect
A liver transplant is a surgical procedure used to replace a damaged or failing liver with a healthy liver from a donor. It is considered when the liver can no longer perform essential functions needed to sustain life. Advances in medical care have made liver transplantation a well-established and effective treatment for selected patients with advanced liver disease.
Liver Transplant: Symptoms That May Indicate Advanced Liver Disease
Liver disease can progress gradually, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. As liver function declines, symptoms may become more apparent and may signal the need for specialist evaluation.
Living Donor vs Deceased Donor Liver Transplant: Key Differences Explained
Liver transplantation can be performed using a liver from a deceased donor or a portion of liver from a living donor. Both approaches are well-established and effective. Understanding the differences helps patients choose the most appropriate option.
Preparing for Liver Transplant Surgery: Steps Before the Procedure
Preparing for liver transplant surgery involves medical, physical, and emotional readiness. Proper preparation improves surgical outcomes and recovery.
Risks and Complications of Liver Transplant: What Patients Should Understand
Liver transplant is a major surgical procedure that offers life-saving benefits for people with advanced liver disease. Like all complex medical treatments, it carries potential risks and complications. Understanding these risks helps patients and families make informed decisions and prepare for recovery.
Best Epilepsy Treatment in Kerala – Dr. Syamlal S
Epilepsy treatment in Kerala is most effective when managed by the best epilepsy specialist in Kerala, such as [Dr. Syamlal S](https://www.kimshealth.org/trivandrum/doctor/dr-syamlal-s), a leading epilepsy doctor in Kerala known for accurate diagnosis, advanced seizure treatment, and long-term neurological care. Most epilepsy cases can be successfully controlled with proper medical management.
Best Stroke Treatment in Kerala
Stroke treatment in Kerala is most effective when delivered within the golden hour by experienced neurologists like Dr. Syamlal S, who specialises in rapid diagnosis, emergency stroke management, and long-term rehabilitation. Early intervention significantly reduces disability and improves recovery outcomes.
EPILEPSY TREATMENT & SURGERY IN KERALA
If you are searching for the best epilepsy treatment in Kerala or the top epilepsy specialist in Trivandrum, KIMSHEALTH—led by experts like Dr. Syamlal S—offers world-class, comprehensive epilepsy care with outcomes comparable to leading international centres.
Parkinson’s Disease Treatment in Kerala
KIMSHEALTH, under the expert care of Dr. Sandhya Manorenj, is among the best centres for Parkinson’s Disease treatment in Trivandrum, Kerala, and South India, offering world-class diagnosis, advanced therapies, and holistic rehabilitation tailored to each patient.
STROKE TREATMENT IN TRIVANDRUM
KIMSHEALTH offers advanced stroke treatment in Thiruvananthapuram, providing 24x7 emergency care, rapid diagnosis, and life-saving interventions.
Functional MRI (fMRI) - Advanced Brain Mapping
Functional MRI (fMRI) is an advanced and non-invasive brain imaging technique that helps doctors understand how different parts of the brain work in real time. Unlike a routine MRI that mainly shows the structure of the brain, fMRI identifies active brain areas by detecting changes in blood flow and oxygen levels while a person performs simple tasks such as speaking, moving a hand, reading, or thinking.
Ten Effective Remedies That You Can Refer to When You Are Suffering from Muscle Cramps
Finally starting off with the gym life can get too overwhelming until you hit those muscle cramps along with the weights.
ICSI(Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
Normally during every mid-menstrual period, one of the 2 ovaries releases an ovum. Each ovum is covered by a membrane called follicle,
Pregnancy and Delivery Care
Nothing could possibly compare to the joy of becoming a parent. After nine long months of waiting, the moment you have been waiting for is almost there:
Some Common Causes of Chest Pain
The first thing that jumps into the mind whenever you have some sort of chest pain is heart attack! It’s only human to feel that way
Organic Food Vs GMO Food: What Should You Pick?
There is no doubt that the quality of food we consume is crucial for our good health. And with more people becoming health conscious the d
Importance of Breastfeeding and Vaccinations for Newborns
Going nature’s way is best when it comes to providing nourishment for the apple of your eye – your baby. Breast milk is best for your baby as it
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A Breakthrough in Kidney Stone Treatment
Kidney stones, those small, hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, can cause excruciating pain and discomfort.
Skin Tags - Benign Tumor or Cancerous Tumor?
Skin tag if observed is a narrow stalk that hangs about your skin, bulging at the end. They are usually freshly colored and can grow anywhere on your body.
3 Ways Vitamin C is Helpful for the Immune System
The water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is helpful in building up the blood vessels, skins, and making bones stronger
Related Blogs
Can Epilepsy Be Cured Permanently? Treatment Options Explained
At KIMSHEALTH, expert neurologists provide advanced epilepsy diagnosis and treatment in Thiruvananthapuram using modern technologies including Video EEG monitoring and epilepsy surgery.
Diet and Lifestyle Before and After Liver Transplant
Nutrition and lifestyle choices play an important role both before and after liver transplant. Proper care supports recovery, reduces complications, and improves long-term health.
