PCOS: The Complete Guide To Diagnosis And Treatment

diagnosis and treatment

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which the ovaries generate an inordinate amount of androgens, male sex hormones that are ordinarily present in women in tiny amounts. The word polycystic ovarian syndrome indicates the numerous tiny cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that grow in the ovaries. However, some women with this illness do not have cysts, while some women without the disorder do develop cysts.

Ovulation occurs when a developed egg is expelled from an ovary. This happens so it can be fertilised by a male sperm. If the egg is not fertilised, it is ejected out of the body during your period.

In rare situations, a woman’s body does not produce enough of the hormones that are necessary for ovulation. When ovulation fails to occur, the ovaries can develop a large number of tiny cysts. Androgens, which are male hormones, are produced by these cysts. Women who have PCOS frequently have excessive levels of androgens in their bodies. 

This might aggravate a woman’s menstrual cycle and make it more difficult to manage. Furthermore, it can exacerbate many of the symptoms of PCOS.

Warning signs of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:

In most cases, signs and symptoms of PCOS first appear in your late teens or early twenties, when you are most vulnerable to them. You can reach out to the pcos best treatment hospital for the advanced treatment options.

They can include the following:

  • Periods that are irregular, or no periods at all
  • Having difficulties getting pregnant as a result of irregular or non-existent ovulation is a medical condition.
  • Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) is a condition that affects the face, chest, back, and buttocks in particular.
  • Excess weight gain
  • Acne

Understanding the causes of PCOS:

Although the specific cause of PCOS is unknown, it is known to run in families in some cases.

It is associated with aberrant hormone levels in the body, which include excessive insulin levels among other things.

Insulin is a hormone that regulates the amount of sugar in the bloodstream.

The insulin action in the body of many women with PCOS is inhibited, and as a result, they create higher quantities of insulin to overcome this resistance.

Increased production and action of hormones such as testosterone are facilitated as a result of this.

Being overweight or obese also increases the quantity of insulin produced by your body, which is harmful.

Diagnosis of PCOS:

There is currently no test available to definitively diagnose PCOS. Your doctor is likely to begin with a review of your medical history, which will likely include information on your menstrual cycles and weight fluctuations. In addition to searching for evidence of excessive hair growth, insulin resistance, and acne, the physical exam will also look for signs of diabetes.

Your doctor may then advise you to do the following:

Pelvic exam:

The doctor sees and manually examines your reproductive organs for any tumors, growths, or other abnormalities that may have developed over time.

Blood Tests:

It is possible that your blood will be tested to determine your hormone levels. This testing can rule out other probable reasons of monthly irregularities, such as androgen excess, which can mimic PCOS. You may also be subjected to extra blood testing to assess your glucose tolerance as well as your fasting cholesterol and triglycerides.

An Ultrasound:

The appearance of your ovaries, as well as the thickness of the lining of your uterus, are examined by your doctor. A transducer, which looks like a wand, is inserted into your vaginal canal (transvaginal ultrasound). The transducer generates sound waves that are transformed into visuals on a computer screen by the computer’s graphics processor.

Understanding the treatment options for PCOS:

Treatment for pcos focuses on addressing your specific issues, such as infertility, hirsutism, acne, or obesity, rather than treating the whole person. 

Lifestyle changes:

Your doctor may prescribe that you lose weight by following a low-calorie diet and participating in moderate physical activity. If you lose even a small amount of weight — for example, 5 percent of your total body weight — you may see an improvement in your condition. Losing weight may also improve the efficiency of drugs prescribed by your doctor for PCOS, and it may be beneficial in the case of infertility. Reach out to Treat Pa to find the best doctor for pcos treatment in Trivandrum.

Medications:

Medications can assist the ovaries in releasing eggs in a natural manner. There are also certain risks linked with the use of these medications. They have the potential to raise the likelihood of having multiple children (twins or more). Furthermore, they have the potential to cause ovarian hyperstimulation. An excessive amount of hormones is produced by the ovaries, resulting in this condition. Specific pcos treatment options may include dietary modifications or medication.

Progestin therapy:

It is possible to regulate your periods and protect yourself from endometrial cancer by taking progestin for 10 to 14 days every one to two months. Progestin medication has no effect on testosterone levels and will not prevent conception in most cases. Choosing a progestin-only mini pill or an intrauterine device that contains progestin is the better option if you also want to avoid becoming pregnant. Treat Pa offers the Best pcos hospital in Madurai where the specialists provide the best treatment.