PCOS - Everything You Need To Know If You're Dealing With It

We know that PCOS is a common syndrome and women affected by it are prone to hormonal shifts that generate a lot of health issues for them. There are many theories about the cause, types, symptoms, and cures for it, that can confuse a reader.

Hence, we asked Dr. Arti Luthra, General Physician and Gynecologist, to help us navigate the delicate balance between this syndrome and how it affects one's life.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects the endocrine system and creates an imbalance in your body, says Dr. Luthra.

It is caused by genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, or is simply a result of individual biological differences.

Its main symptoms are -

1. Irregular periods - which means that the ovaries don't release the eggs regularly.

2. Excess of Androgen and Testosterone (male hormones) in the body.

3. Polycystic ovaries - which means that the ovaries become enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs.

Dr. Arti Luthra says that with the help of ultrasounds and blood tests, one can easily be diagnosed. Most people who have PCOS struggle with irregular or no periods at all, bad cholesterol, infertility problems or have a tendency to develop high insulin. Moreover, in some cases, the physical appearance of the client is more than sufficient to understand their condition. This is because some PCOS clients have visible characteristics like - obesity, hirsutism (hair on the face, chest, back, buttocks), thin hair, and oily or acne-prone skin.

Dr. Luthra tells us that earlier, doctors used the method of drilling the ovaries surgically and bursting the cysts inside (which would last for approximately six months) only so that the women dealing with infertility could get pregnant. But this doesn't take place anymore, and the problem is treated medically with the help of Metformin tablets, that balance the hyper insulin in obese PCOS patients and helps them ovulate. The patients are also provided with hormones for a short period of 3-4 months when they have irregular periods, but this is not a preferred option for the long run.

Hence, weight loss and lifestyle modification is the best solution for a person with PCOS to achieve a healthy life. One can always take the support of medicines, but a good and balanced diet, gymming, yoga, swimming, meditation in one's daily routine is important.

PCOS patients with excessive acne problems are mostly recommended with Tretinoin drug (caution - not to be taken if trying to get pregnant), to help moderate the issue along with their hormonal pills. And as far as the hair on the face is concerned, says Dr. Arti Luthra, one can always opt for waxing and laser options, to keep the growth in control. But remember to modify your eating habits to balance your hormones well, otherwise whatever you do will not help you for a long period of time and come back.

For women trying to get pregnant, she warns that they must be cautious and take proper care of themselves, as they have an increased risk of miscarriage. "This is because infertility affects their egg formation and the ovaries do not produce eggs most of the times. These clients will need medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs, and once conceived - they will again need hormonal support for the first three months."

Dr. Luthra, also recommends that PCOS affected obese teenagers, face a lot of social stigmas in regard to their physical appearance and take stress upon themselves or go under depression. She suggests that they should not lock themselves up, and always talk it out - either with their doctor or parents. And the parents must also be warned about their child's problem and get it diagnosed as soon as possible.

She says that PCOS, can never be completely cured, but if one manages to stay on the right track, it can surely be improved. One's decision to promote a healthy lifestyle can help them conceive on their own in the future and their condition can become really minor with time, concludes Dr. Arti Luthra.

Dr. Arti Luthra. M.B.B.S. is a practising gynaecologist for the last 30 years in West Delhi, with a special interest in fertility.

Disclaimer: Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.