PCOS Treatment Comprehensive Care for Hormonal Balance

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It involves:

• Hormonal imbalances: Excess androgens (male hormones) and irregular ovulation
• Insulin resistance: Difficulty processing insulin, leading to high blood sugar
• Ovarian changes: Multiple small cysts on the ovaries (not always present)

The exact cause is unknown, but genetics, insulin resistance, and inflammation play key roles. PCOS affects 1 in 10 women and is manageable with proper treatment.

PCOS symptoms vary, but common signs include:

• Irregular periods: Absent, infrequent (fewer than 9 per year), or unpredictable cycles
• Excess hair growth: Unwanted facial and body hair (hirsutism) on face, chest, back
• Acne and oily skin: Persistent adult acne, especially on face, chest, and upper back
• Weight gain: Difficulty losing weight, especially around the abdomen
• Hair thinning: Male-pattern baldness or hair loss on the scalp
• Skin darkening: Dark patches on neck, groin, and under breasts
• Skin tags: Small excess skin growths in armpits or neck
• Fertility issues: Difficulty getting pregnant due to irregular ovulation

Not all women experience all symptoms. If you have two or more of these symptoms, consult an endocrinologist.

PCOS is a chronic condition without a permanent cure, but it is highly manageable. With proper treatment:

• Symptoms can be controlled: Medications can regulate periods, reduce excess hair, clear acne, and improve insulin sensitivity
• Fertility can be restored: Most women with PCOS can become pregnant with appropriate treatment
• Long-term health risks reduced: Managing PCOS prevents diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer
• Lifestyle changes help significantly: Weight loss of just 5-10% can dramatically improve symptoms

The goal is to manage symptoms, restore hormonal balance, and prevent complications. Many women live healthy, normal lives with well-managed PCOS.

PCOS diagnosis typically requires 2 out of 3 Rotterdam criteria:

• Irregular ovulation: Absent or infrequent periods (fewer than 8-9 per year)
• High androgens: Blood tests showing elevated testosterone or DHEAS, or clinical signs like excess hair
• Polycystic ovaries: Ultrasound showing 12+ follicles per ovary or enlarged ovaries

Additional tests we perform:

• Hormonal panel (LH, FSH, testosterone, DHEAS, AMH, prolactin)
• Insulin resistance testing (fasting insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, HbA1c)
• Thyroid function tests (to rule out thyroid disorders)
• Lipid profile and metabolic screening
• Pelvic ultrasound

Yes! While PCOS is a leading cause of infertility, most women with PCOS can become pregnant with treatment:

• Lifestyle changes first: Weight loss of 5-10% can restore ovulation naturally in many women
• Ovulation induction: Medications like Letrozole or Clomiphene Citrate help trigger ovulation (75-80% success rate)
• Metformin: Improves insulin sensitivity and can help restore regular cycles
• Injectable medications: Gonadotropins for women who don't respond to oral medications
• IVF if needed: Assisted reproductive technology for resistant cases

With proper treatment, 70-80% of women with PCOS who want to conceive do so successfully. Early intervention improves outcomes.

Treatment is personalized based on your symptoms and goals:

• For insulin resistance: Metformin - improves insulin sensitivity, helps with weight loss, regulates periods
• For irregular periods (not trying to conceive): Combined oral contraceptives - regulate cycles, reduce androgens, protect endometrium
• For fertility: Letrozole or Clomiphene Citrate - induce ovulation
• For excess hair/acne: Spironolactone or Finasteride (anti-androgens), combined with contraceptives
• For weight management: GLP-1 agonists (Liraglutide, Semaglutide) when appropriate
• For vitamins: Inositol, Vitamin D, Omega-3 supplements as adjuncts

Medications are chosen based on your specific needs, whether you're trying to conceive, and what symptoms bother you most.

PCOS-friendly diet focuses on managing insulin resistance:

• Low glycemic index (GI) foods: Whole grains, legumes, vegetables - prevent blood sugar spikes
• High fiber intake: 25-30g daily from vegetables, fruits, whole grains
• Lean proteins: Fish, chicken, eggs, tofu, legumes at every meal
• Healthy fats: Nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, fatty fish (omega-3s)
• Limit refined carbs: White bread, white rice, pastries, sugary foods
• Avoid sugary drinks: Sodas, sweetened juices, energy drinks
• Eat regular meals: Don't skip meals - keeps blood sugar stable

Focus on anti-inflammatory foods, maintain portion control, and combine carbs with protein/fat. Our nutritionist creates personalized meal plans.

Timeline varies depending on the symptom:

• Period regulation: 2-3 months for cycles to become regular with treatment
• Acne improvement: 3-6 months for significant clearing
• Excess hair reduction: 6-12 months (hair grows slowly, so patience needed)
• Weight loss: Gradual - aim for 1-2 pounds per week with lifestyle changes
• Insulin sensitivity: 2-3 months of Metformin for metabolic improvements
• Fertility (ovulation induction): Often within 1-3 treatment cycles

PCOS management is a journey, not a quick fix. Consistency with treatment, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-ups are key to success.