Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman's hormone levels. PCOS is a hormone problem that affects women during their childbearing years (ages 15 to 44). Between 2.2 and 26.7 percent of women in this age group have PCOS.

Many women have PCOS but are not aware of it. In one study, up to 70 percent of women suffering from PCOS were not diagnosed.

Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones. This hormone imbalance causes their body to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant.

PCOS causes hair growth on the face and body and also leads to baldness. And it can contribute to long-term health problems like diabetes and heart diseases. Birth control pills and diabetes drugs can help fix the hormone imbalance and improve symptoms.

Doctors do not know exactly what is the cause of PCOS. They believe that high levels of male hormones prevent the ovaries from producing hormones and making eggs normally. Genes, insulin resistance, and inflammation have all been linked to excess androgen production.

Dr.Kumar Kamble is a professional sexologist and also a de-addiction specialist. Dr.Kamble has special expertise and experience in working with the King Edward Memorial Hospital in the Deaddiction center for 4 years.

Dr. Anna Vaidya with 7 years in the field of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Have knowledge and experience. Currently, he is practicing at Beams Multispeciality and Shastri Nursing home. He was an Ex-Assistant professor at KEM Hospital, Mumbai.

He is specialized in managing high-risk pregnancies, bad obstetric history patients, infertility cases, and pregnancies complicated by medical conditions.

PCOS treatment protocol

Dr. Anna Vaidya says, “ The first thing that comes to the mind of the patient and family suffering from PCOS is whether she will be able to bear the child in future. The first symptom is the absence of menses for 3 - 6 months. PCOS causes a problem of infertility and difficulty in conceiving. Counseling for PCOS is important - It is important to explain to the patient suffering from PCOS about the hormonal disturbance which needs correction. This is not a critical condition and any female from age 18 - 30 years can be affected by PCOS. Not getting periods is considered taboo in females. We should explain to them the main reason for PCOS is our current lifestyle. 

Treatment for PCOS

Lifestyle modifications- Healthy lifestyle is very difficult to practice and easy to preach. 

Dietary restrictions- Avoid junk food like outside food.

Exercise- Staying fit is important. Maintaining a healthy balance of height and weight ratio is a must which is called BMI. High Body Mass Index causes an increase in weight and insulin resistance goes for a toss. We do not understand why this happens. Weight gain is the primary modality for PCOS. Weight can cause irregular cycles. That is why tackling weight gain is important.

Birth control pills-  The medical treatment for PCOS is birth control pills to maintain pregnancy and fertility rate. We are dealing with a problem whose solution is creating another problem. 

It is important to follow this PCOS treatment protocol otherwise it is difficult to come out of the vicious cycle. Weight gain would cause hormonal issues and which leads to infertility.” 

Consulting a fertility doctor for PCOS 

Dr. Anna Vaidya says, “Consulting a fertility expert is very important who will calculate the fertile window. There is a lot of depressive state in married women who have infertility issues due to PCOS. This creates an emotional turmoil as well.” 

Consulting psychiatrist for PCOS 

Dr. Kumar Kamble says, “When couples try to conceive for a family, they may face problems if they have PCOS. The time which is spent to cure infertility issues increases stress levels and may cause depression and anxiety. This causes PCOS with depression.”

Myth busted: Can IVF cure PCOS?

Dr. Anna Vaidya informs, “This is a myth that pregnancy cures PCOS problem. The IVF makes the pregnancy procedure easier. Thinking that once pregnancy takes place will cure the problem of PCOS is a myth. We should clear this concept. Weight gain post-normal pregnancy can lead to PCOS. So, there is no relation between pregnancy and PCOS cure.”

Can reduce weight cure PCOS?

Dr. Anna Vaidya informs, “Weight reduction improves the state of PCOS. It improves the cycle of menses.  10 % of weight reduction works wonders and is a miracle for patients. It can improve their cycle drastically.”

Mental problems and PCOS

Dr. Anna Vaidya says, “PCOS is a cluster of metabolic disorders. A female having PCOS morphology and weight gain along with an increase in blood sugar levels are predisposed to metabolic syndrome. This may lead to - 

Increase in cholesterol level  Increase in sugar levels  Increase in blood pressure in the future. 

This may lead to a metabolic syndrome.”

PCOS and Ovulation 

Dr. Anna Vaidya informs, “PCOS causes involuntary cycles which is a characteristic feature. The patient suffering from PCOS may require hormonal pills or metformin supplements which is helping women to shift the metabolic phase.” 

Hair and skin problems with PCOS

Dr. Anna Vaidya informs, “PCOS has a flow chart of hormonal balance where it increases the conversion of testosterone to Di-hydro-testosterone which is an active form of male hormone. This may lead to- 

The facial pattern on lips, chin, sidelocks causing hirsutism Acne  Hair loss

It is difficult to manage it as it causes an increase in male hormones in the body.” 

Natural way to control PCOS

Dr. Kumar Kamble informs, “We have to work on the primary cause of PCOS. It is a lifestyle problem. Along with medicines, following lifestyle modifications is important. Working on the primary cause will help find a solution for secondary features. Medicines may cause side effects. So, the problem of PCOS along with medical side effects needs to be managed. Along with primary fertility, there are secondary side effects as well. Lifestyle modification and detailed counseling are a must. We have to plan PCOS treatment.” 

Support the female with PCOS

Dr. Kumar Kamble informs, “It is important for the husband and wife to address the infertility issues to PCOS. They should communicate with each other well and should consult the doctor together to assess the progress. Support your wife and female partner for - 

Weight reduction  Diet modifications  Stand with her Take care of these small things during the PCOS treatment journey   Do not blame the female partner  Sustain a healthy relationship 

This is not an overnight change to reduce weight. 

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)