Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome can be defined as a disease that affects approximately 4-18% of the women of reproductive age group. PCOS can cause multi-organ signs symptoms and can affect your body in numerous ways.

You may have PCOS if you suffer from any of the following symptoms-

• Menstrual problems- irregular periods, absence of periods, heavy period, infrequent periods, light periods or spotting only
• Hirsutism i.e. abnormal hair growth in abnormal areas( male pattern)
• Acne
• Skin tags
• Oily skin
• Weight problems- Weight gain and difficulty in losing weight
• Enlarged ovaries
• Acanthosis- Darkening of skin with velvety appearance around neck and other areas
• Pelvic pain
• Alopecia i.e. Loss of hair
• Difficulty in conceiving
• Recurrent miscarriage
• Increased male hormones in blood
• Gestational diabetes
• Preterm delivery
• Pregnancy induced hypertension

Causes of PCOS

Though no definite cause can be pinpointed, long term but  the possible ones are

• Genetics- It sometimes runs in families.
• Resistance to insulin
• Usually, it is idiopathic

Pathophysiology of PCOS:

• There are multiple follicles in the ovary
• None of them grows to mature size
• No ovulation occurs
• Imbalance of estrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH
• Increase in androgens
• Increase in insulin levels

How is PCOS diagnosed?

Based on clinical criteria, laboratory tests and USG. In preventive health checks, you can get your hormonal levels done which can help in timely detection and treatment of the disease.

• Thyroid test
• Prolactin
• Sugar levels
• Lipid profile
• Male hormones
• FSH
• LH
• USG- It shows multiple follicles i.e. “string of pearls” appearance for the diagnosis of PCOS.

 So be aware of your health, make a record of your periods so that you are aware of any irregularity and are able to visit the doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment as it saves flong-term complications.