PCOS Total

Your doctor may prescribe PCOS testing if you are not able to conceive. Diagnosis of PCOS happens if you have atleast two out of these three symptoms:

• Irregular monthly cycles
• High levels of androgens (male hormones) shown in blood tests or by symptoms such as acne, male-pattern balding, hirsutism, excessive facial and body hair and hoarse voice.

Cysts in ovaries (polycystic ovaries) as shown in ultrasonograph examination or by symptoms such as pelvic pain.

PCOS is a complex hormonal, reproductive and metabolic disorder in women which can happen at any stage after puberty. It is a common endocrinopathy caused by androgen excess leading to anovulatory infertility.

Additionally, various long term complications are associated with PCOS like anxiety, depression, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases and increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.   

It is estimated that one out of five Indian women suffer from PCOS, over half of them may not know that they have it.  

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Evidence suggests that genetics plays an important role in PCOS. There are other contributing factors like higher levels of male hormones called androgens (these prevent ovaries from releasing egg and cause irregular menstrual cycles), insulin resistance, unhealthy lifestyle - bad dietary choices, obesity, weakened immune system and stress.

• Infertility
• Irregular or prolonged monthly cycles
• Pelvic pain
• Hair thinning and hair loss, male type baldness
• Excessive facial and body hair
• Hoarse voice
• High blood pressure
• Weight gain
• Oily skin, acne
• Fatigue