Think you have PCOS? – Understand PCOS: Risks, Symptoms & Complications, Diagnosis & Treatment

Jun 5, 2017 | Blog, Did you know?, Educating the community, Gynecology

Erratic Periods Could be PCOSPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) also known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome is a common endocrine system disorder characterized by a hormonal imbalance among women of reproductive age. It is the leading cause of infertility in women.

The female body secretes two types of female hormones, Estrogen and a Luteinizing hormone and a very little amount of male hormone i.e. Androgen. In case of PCOS, the production of androgen is increased which leads to various problems in the ovaries.

Healthy ovaries produce egg which when not fertilized gets released every month as a part of the healthy menstrual cycle. Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries which contain small collection of fluids called as follicles that are located in the ovary as seen in the ultrasound scan. These harmless follicles are usually up to 8mm in size and are underdeveloped sacs in which the eggs develop. In case of PCOS, the egg may not develop or it may not be released during an ovulation as it normally should do.

Causes

The exact cause of PCOS is not known, but below are a few factors that may play a role:

    Excess Insulin:

    Pancreas secretes insulin, a hormone that allows the body cells to use sugar (glucose). In the case of insulin resistance, body’s ability to use insulin effectively gets impaired as a result of which body has to produce an excess amount of insulin to make glucose available to all the body cells. An excess amount of insulin might affect the ovaries by increasing the androgen production, which interferes with the ovulation procedure.

    Hormonal Imbalance:

    • Raised Androgens:A male hormone, produced in small amounts in females. Hormonal imbalance leads to overproduction of androgen that prevents the ovaries from releasing the egg, which causes PCOS.
    • Raised Luteinizing Hormone (LH): This is a female hormone that stimulates ovulation; however, a raised level of LH has abnormal effects on ovaries.
    • Low level of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): This is a type of protein present in the blood which binds with testosterone and reduces the effect of testosterone.
    • Raised Prolactin:This is a rare condition in women with PCOS. Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates breast glands to produce milk. Excessive secretion of prolactin can cause PCOS.

PCOS Signs Symptoms and CausesRisk Factors

  • Hereditary: It has been found that PCOS is common in females particularly with a family history of the condition. Researchers are also looking into the possibility of certain genes being linked to PCOS.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms associated with PCOS tend to start gradually. Hormonal changes typically start in early teens especially post first menstrual cycle. The symptoms in most of the cases are evident post weight gain. These symptoms are milder in the initial stages. While some patients may have only a few symptoms or some may have a lot of them. Below are the symptoms that are commonly seen in all cases of PCOS:

  • Acne
  • Irregular periods: Often women with PCOS, have very few menstrual cycles which can be as less as 8 cycles a year or may have very longer intervals which are more than 35days. Some women have no periods at all or may have very heavy bleeding that continues for weeks together.
  • Weight Gain and difficulty losing weight
  • Thicker and darker facial hair, excess hair on chest, back and belly.
  • Hair fall and thinning of hair on scalp
  • Fertility issues: Women with PCOS have problems in conceiving leading to infertility problems
  • Depression

Diagnosis

  • Medical and Physical Examinations: Your Gynecologist will enquire about your period’s pattern, type of flow, duration of your periods etc. Your Doctor will also check for the presence of extra body hair, weight and height to know if you have a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).
  • Pelvic Examination: Your Doctor will check for signs of enlargement of ovaries due to cysts.
  • Vaginal Sonogram: Ultrasound will be required to check the endometrial lining and to further confirm the presence of any cyst in the ovaries.
  • Blood Test: This is done to check for the hormonal imbalance.

Treatment:

There is no definitive cure for PCOS but controlling it prevents further complications such as infertility, miscarriages, diabetes and heart disease. The line of treatment depends on multiple factors like your symptoms and whether you are planning a pregnancy.

  • Hormone Therapy: If you are not planning for pregnancy, a hormonal therapy may help your ovary hormones. Birth control hormones keep your endometrial lining from building up for too long this helps in preventing Uterine Cancer. Birth control pills, patches or vaginal rings are prescribed as a part of hormonal therapy. Spironolactone is often used with combined birth control and this helps in reducing hair loss, acne and male pattern hair growth on face and body.
  • Healthy Lifestyle: Hormonal therapy won’t help with heart, blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk. This is why a healthy lifestyle is a must to prevent worsening of the condition along with the treatment.
  • Regular Checkup: Regular checkups are important for detecting any associated complications such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, uterine cancer etc.
  • Surgical Treatment: Surgical treatment is the next level of treatment in cases who fail to show improvement after taking medicines. In the surgical procedure, ovarian function is improved by reducing the number of small cysts in the ovary.

irregular-periods-and-other-facts-PCOS
PCOS Complications

Following are the complications that are associated with PCOS:

  • High blood pressure
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Cholesterol and lipid abnormality
  • Infertility
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Uterine cancer
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
  • Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Liver Inflammation caused by fat accumulation in the liver.

Red Flags:
Seek immediate medical help if you notice:

  • The sudden excessive growth of facial hair and body hair.
  • The Severe outburst of acne and pimple.
  • Irregular periods or absence of periods.

pcos-footerAre you 1 in 10 - PCOS causes Infertility

RxDx-iOS-App-iTunes-DownloadRxDx-iOS-App-iTunes-QR-CodeRxDx-Android-App-Google-Play-DownloadRxDx-Android-App-Google-Play-QR-Codeyoutube3

Daily Skincare Routine

Healthy Skin does not appear overnight. If you wish to have a clear, glowing complexion, you must determine which treatment is best for your kind of Skin. A skincare routine may be started at any age. The earlier you begin, the better. Regular skin care practice is...

The Viral Dilemmas: Decoding the World of Infections

Post the covid pandemic, we have witnessed an onslaught of viruses over the past 4 months. The reason for this upsurge in cases is not very clear but it could be attributed to waning immunity. Additionally, our bodies were not exposed to these viruses during COVID...

Home health monitoring services picking up in city

Dr Maheshwari emphasizes the importance of wearable devices for patients with certain conditions, particularly heart-related problems. She explains, "For example, patients with heart rhythm abnormalities may wear a cardio beeper which can alert the doctor if the data...

Cardiac findings in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children

Published by the Department of Paediatric Cardiology, RxDx Healthcare in association with St. Johns and Rainbow Children’s Hospital. Sejal Suresh Shah, Praveen Kumar K. Naidu, Sumithra Selvam, Rakshay Shetty, Chandrika S. Bhat, Sunita Maheshwari. Cardiac findings in...

Widening smiles and playful times

For nearly two decades, People4People, a non-profit organization dedicated to constructing playgrounds for young children, has been in operation. The initiative originated from the shared vision of Dr Sunita Maheshwari and Dr Arjun Kalyanpur who combined their passion...

CT Scan Diaries: Refracture of clavicle and implant

A 42-year-old male was referred for plain CT Scan scan of the shoulder (left clavicle) to the radiology department with complaints of pain over his left clavicle following a recent fall from bike. He gave history of surgical repair for the same side clavicular...

Guidelines for Physical Activity in Children with Heart Diseases

Studies suggest that those with congenital heart diseases may immensely benefit from exercises and outdoor activities, irrespective of their age and gender. The physical activities in a social environment help eliminate their clustered self-esteem, reduces their fear...

RxDx @ NM Medical General Enquiry Form

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Request for Callback

No Fields Found.

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Book Online: COVID Care @Home

[caldera_form id="CF5fb8d3cec38a7"]

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

RxDx Healthcare Special Offer! (Valid Till: 31th March, 2024) Request For Sample Collection

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Request for Callback

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Admission Form for GDA Course Enquiry From

No Fields Found.

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Request for Facility Service

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Request for COVID-19 Test in Clinic | Home Visit

[caldera_form id="CF606ee89f9dc8e"]

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Ophthalmology Enquiry From

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

RxDx Kadugodi General Enquiry Form

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

RxDx Whitefield General Enquiry Form

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

RxDx Bellandur General Enquiry Form

No Fields Found.

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

RxDx CHANDY, Siddhapura General Enquiry Form

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Request Info

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

No Fields Found.

Book Online: Vaccination (Other than COVID)

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Request for Specialities Service

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Winter Special Healthcare Offers Enquiry Form

No Fields Found.

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Enquire Now

No Fields Found.

Request for Free BMD Analysis Camp

No Fields Found.

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Enquiry for COVID Vaccination Camp in Corporates / Societies

[caldera_form id="CF60a8a0f6927b5"]

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Covovax

It’s the Indian version of Novavax which is already available in the European market.
Covovax is a “SARS-CoV-2 rS Protein (COVID-19) recombinant spike protein Nanoparticle Vaccine” administered intramuscularly, preferably in the deltoid muscle. It is the 2nd one manufactured by Serum Institute of India (SII) besides the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine Covishield.
Children aged 12 years and above can receive their Covovax doses at private centres.
Recommended interval between 2 doses (0.5 mL each) are 21 days.

Oxygen Therapy

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Enquiry Form: Diabetes Care Clinic

Enquiry Form: Doctor Appointment

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Fill your details here to receive a response!

[caldera_form id="CF5ff5a22e0a102"]

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Book Online: Post COVID Rehab Clinic

[caldera_form id="CF614ab7beed293"]

Enquiry For Diwali Derma Offer

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Request for Callback

No Fields Found.

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Request for Callback

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Request for Geriatric Package

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Request for Booking: Arthritis Screening Package

No Fields Found.

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

SAMANVAY Winter Special Healthcare Offers Enquiry Form

No Fields Found.

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Enquiry For Breast Cancer Screening

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Request for Callback

No Fields Found.

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Winter Offer Enquiry Form

No Fields Found.

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Enquiry For Lab & Radiology Tests

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

RxDx Kadugodi Anniversary Offer Enquiry Form

No Fields Found.

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

RxDx Dommasandra General Enquiry Form

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

Career At RxDx

[caldera_form id="CF616fe1dd30145"]

Request Appointment Booking

Doctor entertains walk-ins only, first-cum-first-serve.
Please fill in your details here to receive a callback OR call 901 409 1111 OR WhatsApp 9019961402 OR email us at info@rxdx.in to help you set up your appointment with the doctor.

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

RxDx Medical Centre In Gated Communities Enquiry Form

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number
+91 90199 61402 or email us on
info@rxdx.in

RxDx Shingles Vaccination Enquiry Form

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number
+91 90199 61402 or email us on
info@rxdx.in

Request Appointment Booking

Doctor is available on-call only.
Please fill in your details here to receive a callback OR call 901 409 1111 OR WhatsApp 9019961402 OR email us at info@rxdx.in to help you set up your appointment with the doctor.

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in

RxDx General Vaccination Enquiry Form

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number
+91 90199 61402 or email us on
info@rxdx.in

RxDx SAMANVAY Malleswaram General Enquiry Form

TAT Attention!

Response Time to FORMs:
Within 6 hours on best effort basis

NOTE
If your inquiry is urgent, please call us on
+91 901 409 1111.
You may also reach us through WhatsApp Chat between
8 am – 8 pm on our number +91 90199 61402 or email us on info@rxdx.in