Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting many women of reproductive age. PCOS can significantly impact a woman’s health, fertility, and quality of life. Vatsalya Hospital offers comprehensive care to help women manage PCOS effectively. Here’s an overview of PCOS, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is marked by hormonal imbalances and metabolic issues affecting health and appearance. Causes include genetics and insulin resistance. Women with PCOS may have irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries.
Common Symptoms of PCOS
Menstrual Irregularities
Women often experience infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual cycles and may have heavy bleeding.
Excess Androgen
Symptoms include increased hair growth on the face and body (hirsutism), acne, oily skin, and thinning hair or male-pattern baldness.
Polycystic Ovaries
Ovaries may be enlarged and contain numerous small cysts, visible on a pelvic ultrasound.
Weight Gain and Difficulty Losing Weight
Many women with PCOS are overweight or obese, increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Fertility Issues
PCOS is a leading cause of infertility due to irregular or absent ovulation
Common Symptoms of PCOS
- Medical History and Symptom Evaluation: Review of menstrual history, weight changes, and symptoms such as hirsutism and acne.
- Physical Examination: Assessment of excessive hair growth, acne, and weight distribution.
- Blood Tests: Measurement of hormone levels and tests for insulin resistance and blood sugar levels.
- Ultrasound: A pelvic ultrasound to check for cysts on the ovaries and evaluate ovarian size.
How PCOS is Diagnosed
Diagnosing PCOS involves medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies. At Vatsalya Hospital, our approach includes a thorough review of menstrual history, weight changes, and symptoms such as hirsutism and acne. We also assess signs like excessive hair growth, acne, and weight distribution. Blood tests measure hormone levels and assess insulin resistance and blood sugar levels. A pelvic ultrasound is used to check for cysts on the ovaries and evaluate ovarian size.
Treatment Options for PCOS
Managing PCOS involves addressing symptoms and reducing the risk of complications. Vatsalya Hospital offers a range of treatment options. Lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight management, can help control symptoms and improve overall health. Medications such as hormonal treatments can regulate menstrual cycles, while metformin improves insulin resistance. Fertility treatments are available for those seeking to conceive. Cosmetic treatments manage excessive hair growth and acne. Counseling and support address the psychological impact of PCOS, and advanced interventions like laparoscopic surgery and bariatric surgery are available for severe cases.
Support Services at Vatsalya Hospital
Vatsalya Hospital provides comprehensive care and support for women with PCOS. Our multidisciplinary team develops individualized treatment plans and offers regular check-ups to assess treatment effectiveness. We provide information and resources to help women understand and manage PCOS and engage the community through workshops and seminars on PCOS management. Our commitment to research and innovation ensures we offer the latest treatment options.
Conclusion
PCOS is a complex condition, but with the right management strategies, women can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Vatsalya Hospital is dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to help women manage PCOS and improve their quality of life. If you have symptoms of PCOS or have been diagnosed, schedule a consultation with our expert team to develop a personalized plan to address your symptoms and support your overall health.
