What is PCOS?

PCOS is primarily the growth of cysts on your ovaries that can affect your reproductive ability. As the term is ‘polycystic,’ you will have several sacs filled with fluid. These sacs are follicles, each containing an immature egg. However, these eggs are not mature enough to trigger ovulation. Instead, these will increase androgen levels, disrupt the altered levels of oestrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH, and make your menstrual cycle irregular.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

When it comes to understanding the symptoms of PCOS, the first thing that you must check for is whether you have irregular periods accompanied by heavy bleeding. The primary reason for this is the build-up of the endometrium wall for an extended period. Hence, when your menstrual cycle starts, you will find that you will have heavy bleeding that continues for several days. Some of the other symptoms of PCOS are as follows:

• 70% of women suffering from PCOS complain of facial hair and sometimes hair on their chest and back. This excess growth of hair is triggered by increased levels of male hormones in your blood, and the condition is known as hirsutism.
• 80% of women with PCOS have trouble losing weight and are often overweight and obese. If you are suffering from irregular periods and weight gain, it can be due to PCOS.
• The changes in your hormone levels can lead to hair loss, and you will have bald patches appearing on your head. This is not simply female pattern baldness but a symptom of PCOS.
• If dark patches appear on your skin in areas near your neck, groin, and breasts, then this, too, can be a symptom of PCOS, and you must consult your gynaecologist.

Women suffering from PCOS often complain of headaches and excessive tiredness. If you notice any such changes in your physiology, it is best to make an appointment with your doctor to identify the cause of the problem.

What Causes PCOS?

Although experts and doctors will not be able to tell you the exact causes of PCOS, if you have a family history of the disease, there are chances that you can inherit it. In most cases, women suffering from PCOS have it in their families. The other most common cause of PCOS is insulin resistance, which is often triggered by obesity. If you have Type 2 Diabetes, your chances of suffering from PCOS increase as your body is unable to fulfil its requirement from insulin. Along with that, obesity creates insulin resistance, making your body susceptible to problems like PCOS. Thus, weight management is essential if you already have diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes and want to avoid illnesses like PCOS.

Types of PCOS?

4 types of PCOS affect women, and these are:

• Insulin-resistant PCOS: This is caused primarily by a pre-existing disease. It can also be the result of heavy smoking, drinking, and obesity.
• Pill-induced PCOS: This can happen if you stop taking birth control pills after some time.
• Inflammatory PCOS: This is caused by hormone imbalance and can be a result of excessive stress or consuming inflammatory foods like dairy products, sugar, or wheat.
• Hidden PCOS: This is caused by iodine deficiency, which is triggered by problems such as thyroid disease.

How Does PCOS Affect Fertility?

PCOS and infertility are related primarily because to become pregnant, you must produce healthy eggs and, for that, monitor your ovulation. As PCOS prevents natural ovulation and disturbs your hormone balance, conceiving can become a problem. Women who do not ovulate regularly will not produce healthy eggs, and hence, PCOS remains one of the primary reasons for infertility among women.

Treatment for PCOS in Women

For the best treatment for PCOS, you must first make an appointment with your gynaecologist and discuss your problem. A professional will help you with the medication and lifestyle changes that you must incorporate. It is essential to take the help of a fertility expert to rule out any other problem. The doctor will also give you fertility medication that you must take as directed to treat the problem and ensure that your hormone levels are restored.

Can you Get Pregnant with PCOS?

Yes, it is possible to get pregnant with PCOS. You must incorporate specific lifestyle changes, not stress about the disease. Nearly 80% of female infertility is related to PCOS, but with proper treatment and medication, it is possible to become pregnant with PCOS.

What Lifestyle Changes are Needed for PCOS?

If you have PCOS, there are specific lifestyle changes that you must incorporate, and some of these are as follows:

• Weight management is essential, and hence, eating healthy is essential. You must also exercise regularly to improve your fitness levels and reduce hormone imbalance.
• It is essential to reduce your stress levels. Learn to relax and, if necessary, take up yoga and mindfulness to reduce stress.
• If you drink and smoke, you must stop it immediately. Otherwise, the treatment will become ineffective.

When undertaking lifestyle changes, ensure adequate sleep and lead a healthier life.

Conclusion

If you want the best fertility centre in Kolkata, contact us at Abha Surgy Centre. We have a wide range of services, which include Laparoscopy / Hysteroscopy, IUI, Ovum donation infertility investigations and treatment, ICSI, and Surrogacy. We have successfully performed IVF treatments for many patients and helped many childless couples become parents. If you are suffering from PCOS and you feel that you are unable to conceive, you must contact us, and we will help you get an appointment with our best doctors. We will help you overcome your fertility issues, and you, too, can become parents.