Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in women which can affect her menstrual cycle (periods), ability to conceive (infertility), and certain aspects of her appearance. It can also affect her long-term health. This problem is becoming a common reason for distress among young urban women and requires detailed dedicated multi- speciality counselling.
Keeping in mind the needs of such women, we offer a dedicated Polycystic Ovary Clinic wherein she can have access to:
1) Qualified Gynaecologist for accurate medical assessment and treatment of period problems, difficulty in having children, acne,hair loss and weight gain .
2) Dermatologist to sort out the issues of acne, pimples and unwanted hair on the body. we also offer latest cosmetic treatment for acne and unwanted hair on the face and breast.
3) Dietitian and lifestyle manager to give a one on one consultation with weight loss advice and the progress being made.
4) Services of allied medicine specialists like homeopath, Ayurveda, expert and acupuncturist are available on demand. They will be specifically looking after the problems arising out of polycystic ovarian syndrome in women based on their knowledge of their specialities. Woman having resistant symptoms arising out of polycystic ovaries may benefit from these as well.
Answers to FAQs about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
What Do We Mean By Polycystic Ovaries?
What Are The Symptoms Of PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Infertility
How Do We Diagnose PCOS?
Women with PCOS often have different signs and symptoms and sometimes these come and go. This can make PCOS a difficult condition to diagnose.
At least two out of three following criteria should be fulfilled before diagnosing PCOS:
1) At least a few of the symptoms mentioned above.
2) Abnormal hormonal tests.
3) an ultrasound scan which shows polycystic ovaries.
Can PCOS affect my health in the long run?
You are at greater risk of developing the following long-term health problems if you have PCOS:
1) Insulin resistance and diabetes
If your blood glucose does not stay normal, this can lead to diabetes. One or two in every ten (10–20%) women with PCOS go on to develop diabetes at some time. If you have PCOS, your risk of developing diabetes is increased further if you:
• are over 40 years of age
• have relatives with diabetes
• developed diabetes during a pregnancy (known as gestational diabetes)
• are obese (body mass index or BMI over 30).
2) High blood pressure
Women with PCOS tend to have high blood pressure, which may be related to insulin resistance and to being overweight, rather than the PCOS itself. High blood pressure can lead to heart problems and should be treated.
3) Heart disease in later life
Developing heart disease is linked to health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. If you have a high cholesterol level you may be advised to take medication (statins) to reduce the risk of heart problems.
4) Cancer
If you have less than three periods in a year), the endometrium (lining of the uterus) can thicken and this may lead to endometrial cancer in a small number of women.
There are different ways to protect the lining of the womb using the hormone progesterone. You should visit your doctor if you are having lesser number of periods in a year. She will then prescribe a medicine to help you get the period.
PCOS does not increase your chance of breast, cervical or ovarian cancer.
5) Depression and mood swings
The symptoms of PCOS may affect how you see yourself and how you think others see you. It can lower your self-esteem.
6) Snoring and daytime drowsiness
PCOS can lead to fatigue or sleepiness during the day. It is also associated with snoring.
What can you do to reduce long-term health risks?
1) Have a healthy lifestyle
The main ways to reduce your overall risk of long-term health problems are to:
• eat a healthy balanced diet. This should include fruit and vegetables and whole foods (such as wholemeal bread, whole grain cereals, brown rice, whole wheat pasta), lean meat, fish and chicken. You should decrease sugar, salt, caffeine and alcohol (14 units is the recommended maximum units a week for women).
• eat meals regularly especially including breakfast
• take exercise regularly (30 minutes at least three times a week).
You should aim to keep your weight to a level which is normal (a BMI between 19 and 25). BMI is the measurement of weight in relation to height.
If you are overweight, it would be helpful to lose weight and maintain your weight at this new level. The benefits of losing weight include:
• a lower risk of insulin resistance and developing diabetes
• a lower risk of heart problems
• a lower risk of cancer of the uterus
• more regular periods
• an increased chance of becoming pregnant
• reduction in acne and a decrease in excess hair growth over time
• improved mood and self-esteem.
2) Have regular health checks
Once you have a diagnosis of PCOS, you will be monitored to check for any early signs of health problems.
Women with PCOS over the age of 40 should be offered a blood sugar test once a year to check for signs of diabetes. If you are obese (BMI over 30) or have a family history of diabetes, you may be offered testing for diabetes earlier than age 40.
If you have not had a period for a long time (over 4 months), it is advisable to see your doctor. You may be offered further tests which may include an ultrasound scan.
Discuss with your doctor how often you should have your blood pressure checked and whether you should have blood tests for cholesterol levels.
Is there a permanent cure for PCOS?
There is no cure for PCOS. Medicines aim to manage and reduce the symptoms or harmful consequences of having PCOS. Medication alone has not been shown to be any better than healthy lifestyle changes (weight loss and exercise).
Many women with PCOS successfully manage their symptoms and long-term health risks without medical intervention. They do this by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
For More Info, click below links:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Infertility: https://www.drseemasharma.com/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-and-infertility/
Polycystic Ovaries and Unwanted Hair in Women: https://www.drseemasharma.com/polycystic-ovaries-and-unwanted-hair-in-women/
Polycystic Ovaries and Acne: what should we know? https://www.drseemasharma.com/polycystic-ovaries-and-acne-what-should-we-know/