Dr. Bandana Sodhi is a skilled obstetrician and Gynaecologist, laparoscopic surgeon. She has an illustrious experience of more than 20 years and has worked at one of the best medical institutions of India like Research and Referral Army hospital, New Delhi. She is an active member of many esteemed medical organizations and keeps herself abreast with all the latest advances in her field. At present Dr. Bandana is working as Senior Consultant and Gynaecology Obstetrics at Moolchand Healthcare in South Delhi.

PCOS periods are not painful

Dr. Bandana begins, “PCOS is getting very common nowadays, especially among teenagers and younger age groups. Irregular periods, excessive facial hairs, acne are the most common signs of PCOS. Painful periods are usually not associated with PCOS. PCOS periods are not painful but are irregular, the menstrual cycle mostly gets delayed. Due to hormonal imbalances, ovulation doesn't take place which is termed anovulation. In this situation, there may be irregular periods with excessive flow.”

PCOS and Endometriosis

Dr. Bandana explains, “PCOS and endometriosis are two different things. 

PCOS - Irregular menstrual cycle, increase in body weight, acne, unwanted facial hairs. During the reproductive age group – Problems in conceiving and fertility are common.

Endometriosis – Formation of a cyst inside ovaries, chocolate color fluid gets accumulated inside this. Endometriosis causes painful periods. There can be severe pain before and during the onset of your menstrual cycle. The pain can be severe enough to cause nausea, vomiting, lower abdominal pain.”

Dr. Bandana adds, “Symptoms of PCOS and endometriosis generally don’t overlap. Endometriosis doesn’t cause menstrual irregularities.” 

PCOS cysts are not dangerous

Dr. Bandana describes, “There can be different types of cyst in the ovaries. It could be a PCOS cyst, an endometriotic cyst. In PCOS, there are multiple small cysts that neither develop into an egg nor rupture. Hence, ovulation doesn't take place. They form a necklace pattern in the ovaries. But these cysts are not dangerous.”

Different ways of keeping PCOS under check

Dr. Bandana clears, “PCOS cannot be cured completely from the root cause but it can be controlled. Some tips to keep it under check

1. Eat healthy. Avoid junk foods, processed foods like maida, refined sugar, cakes, pastries, pizza, momos.

2. Don’t starve yourself. Eat healthier options in the form of fruits, veggies. You can have proteins in the form of chicken, fish (if you are non-veg).

3. Don’t give long gaps. Eat your meals on time to maintain body metabolic rate. 

4. Burn it off by exercise.

Eating healthy meals on time and regular exercise can help in controlling PCOS.”

How to know if PCOS is under control?

Dr. Bandana mentions some tips to figure out if PCOS is under control

1. Regular menstrual cycle

2. Facial hairs, acne under control

3. Bodyweight under control

Myth - PCOS can be completely cured

Dr. Bandana concludes, “It is a misnomer that PCOS can be completely cured. Medicines are there to help out but we don’t recommend them for life long. If we want to maintain a check on PCOS, we have to make lifestyle modifications. We need to live a healthy lifestyle. Even in a busy stressful life, we have to take out 30 minutes daily for ourselves. Eat your breakfast before leaving, after coming home do have your dinner, spend 20 minutes on yourself.”

(Edited by Renu Gupta)