Dedicates the month of March to emphasize on the importance of early diagnosis as a precautionary measure

PCOS is a hormonal disorder in women. It can develop at any time during a woman’s reproductive years, even just before menopause. In PCOS, women tend to have increased levels of male hormones, infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods and also may develop fluid filled cysts in the ovary.
While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, we do know that some factors can play a role. One of these is the production of increased levels of male hormones in the woman causing acne and aberrant hair growth. Another factor is insulin resistance, where the body’s cells become resistant to the action of insulin (insulin is the hormone that regulates the blood sugar levels in the body). A genetic component has also been linked to PCOS – this means that you are at a higher risk of developing PCOS if you have a mother, sister or aunt with PCOS.
The symptoms of PCOS are wide and varied. Most women are unaware that they have PCOS and attribute their symptoms to their lifestyle or other causes. PCOS can present with symptoms like irregular periods, heavy bleeding, abnormal and excess hair growth (especially over the face, back, belly etc.), acne, weight gain, receding or thinning of hair on the scalp, darkening of the skin creases and headaches.
A person with PCOS can suffer from many complications. Difficulty in conceiving is a major complication. However, having PCOS does not mean that pregnancy is impossible. PCOS is a common but treatable cause of infertility in women. Those who do become pregnant also stand the risk of premature delivery, pregnancy associated diabetes and high blood pressure.
Other complications of PCOS can include type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (which is inflammation of the liver due to fat accumulation in the liver) and metabolic syndrome (which is a cluster of conditions – high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels – that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke). Depression and anxiety are also common among women with PCOS.
There is no definitive single test to diagnose PCOS. Diagnosis is made by doctors using the results from several blood tests, ultrasound, physical examination and your medical history. The ultrasound checks for changes in your ovary and also the thickness of the uterine lining. Blood tests are done to measure the levels of multiple hormones, blood sugar and cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels.
There is no cure but treatments are available to manage PCOS which include both drugs as well as lifestyle changes. The drugs given include those that help regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation, to reduce the excessive hair growth and for regulating the high blood sugar. Lifestyle changes which can have a positive effect include weight loss, diet and exercise.

Early diagnosis, timely treatment and consistent follow-up are the keys to managing PCOS. It is advisable to seek medical attention if you find that you have any of the symptoms mentioned.