PCOS - What Should You Know?

Hello,

I am Dr. Neha Poddar. I am a gynecologist and Laparoscopic surgeon. I am here to talk about polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder, which occurs in a woman of reproductive age group. It is increasingly common nowadays in all women. And usually, we experience that 50% of the women come with the PCOS these days. It usually starts at the time of childbearing age. But it can appear later in life in response to obesity, excessive weight gain. Women with PCOS usually experience delayed periods, women come with the delayed menstrual cycle and on ultrasound, we see multiple small sights in both the ovaries. Hence the name polycystic ovary syndrome. Other features can be androgenic features, excess of male hormones in their bodies. Like excess acne, hair growth on face and rest of the body, and androgenic features like male pattern baldness and in severe cases there can be hoarseness of voice also.

There are some long term effects of polycystic ovary syndrome-like obesity and most importantly infertility. Women can have a hard time conceiving when they have PCOS due to delayed cycle their ovulation is not regular, other long term effects can be metabolic deceases, like diabetes, hypertension, there can also be some dark color patches over their skin, obesity. Other long term effects can be a slightly increased risk of endometrial carcinoma. Women with all these features can have a low self-esteem and a slightly increased risk of depression. Women with PCOS who get pregnant can have increased abortions, increased risk of pre-term labor, gestational diabetes, malaictus, gestational hypertension.

Coming on to the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, the most important thing is lifestyle modification. Lifestyle modification includes three important things, first is dietary changes, fat content should be reduced in the diet, outside food and packed food should be very much curtailed. Other things include increasing the fiber intake in the diet and increasing fluids. Second, comes weight reduction. Weight reduction is very important. Reducing as low as 5 to 10% weight in the obese women in PCOS induces spontaneous ovulation and she can conceive naturally. Another thing is increasing the level of physical activity, moderate to severe physical activity at least 3 to 4 times a week, is very important for maintaining healthy PCOS. Take home message is to eat healthily and stay active. I hope that my talk was helpful to you, you can contact me through Lybrate.

Thank you.