Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive disorder that encompasses many associated health conditions. In the past few years, there have been thousands of articles published concerning the different aspects and relationships regarding PCOS.
Despite the high and increasing incidence of PCOS, there are several aspects that still remain ambiguous. Very few studies have been conducted that grasp PCOS in its entire complexity.
Polycystic ovaries are a condition where ovaries contain excess primordial follicles. Despite the name Polycystic, it does not contain any cyst and contains only follicles. The follicles are naturally present in the ovaries and they are small fluid-filled sacs containing ovum or eggs.
Normally during reproductive years, each ovary contains 5-12 follicles but when there are 12-15 follicles in an ovary, it is called Polycystic. When the presence of follicles is severe, say more than 50 follicles, then, the condition is called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
Why PCOS Occurs?
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, and it likely varies between individuals. Genetics, lifestyle, environment, and hormonal imbalances may all play a role. Women with a family history of PCOS—mothers, aunts, or sisters—have a higher risk of developing the condition.
PCOS affects hormone levels such as insulin, testosterone, globulin, and luteinizing hormone. Excess insulin can increase testosterone, which may contribute to PCOS. While many women with PCOS are overweight, the condition can affect women of all sizes, and obesity can worsen symptoms.
Importantly, PCOS affect the fertility by disrupting regular ovulation, making it harder to conceive naturally. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and medical treatment can help manage symptoms and improve fertility outcomes.
By understanding the causes and separating PCOS myths from facts, women with PCOS can take proactive steps to protect their fertility and achieve a healthy pregnancy.
Causes for Polycystic Ovaries
During a menstrual cycle, usually, 5-10 follicles develop at the beginning, and later around the 14th day, one of the follicles (leading follicles) gets bigger, and shortly after that ovulation takes place with the release of the eggs. The remaining eggs regress and disappear. These occur every four weeks and thus the menstrual bleed happens.
When a woman has polycystic ovaries, the normal cyclic events of ovulation do not occur, and no dominant egg is produced. PCOS also affects egg quality , Only small immature follicles are produced in every cycle and the reason for this is yet to be found out. PCOS tends to appear during the 20s in a girl’s growing years. It is a very common condition and 1 in every 5 women has them.
Since there is no permanent “cure” for PCOS, women struggle with their symptoms on a daily basis. The sheer weight of the continual battle often has an impact on women’s mental health. When a diagnosis is made, you may be referred to a gynecologist or an endocrinologist.
Undetected PCOS
Even today, there is a general lack of awareness regarding the condition in India and it often remains undetected for years. This health condition is estimated to affect about 10 million women globally. Women with PCOS are often found to have higher than normal insulin levels.
Spectrum of symptoms
Women suffering from PCOS exhibit a range of symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, unwanted hair growth, thinning hair, infertility, acne, pelvic pain, headaches, sleep problems, and frequent mood swings. Most symptoms begin shortly after puberty and they can also develop during late teens and even into early adulthood. Unfortunately, PCOS cannot be cured. It can, however, be managed to a large extent by controlling the symptoms. Exercise and a healthy diet are the best bet for women with PCOS as this will help to regulate the menstrual cycle and lower blood glucose levels.
Signs of PCOS
With various PCOS, women may have a hormonal imbalance which will cause the following:
- General acne
- Reduced fertility
- Hair excess on face, chest and pubic area
- Oily skin
- Resistance to the body’s natural insulin (blood sugar increase)
- Irregular and infrequent periods
There are some simple steps to treat the condition like regular exercise to activate insulin, weight reduction, low carbohydrate and low glycemic index diet, taking oral contraceptive pills to treat hormone imbalance, and taking fertility drugs in case of fertility issues as prescribed by the gynecologist. If the above measures are inadequate, then probably laparoscopic ovarian drilling might help. Pregnancy can be easily achieved with the use of ART (Artificial Reproductive technique).
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FAQ
PCOS is caused by a combination of hormonal imbalances, genetics, and lifestyle factors. High levels of androgens (male hormones) and insulin resistance often play a key role.
While you can’t always prevent PCOS, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet may reduce your risk or help manage symptoms.
Yes, PCOS can make it harder to get pregnant due to irregular ovulation, but many women with PCOS can conceive with the right medical guidance and treatments.
Common signs include irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain, and thinning hair on the scalp.
A doctor can confirm PCOS through a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and ultrasound to check your ovaries.
