Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women

Overview

Overview – PCOS Treatment in Bangalore

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women. PCOS presents a diverse range of signs and symptoms that, collectively, form a spectrum of the disorder. For some women, it manifests mildly, while for others, it causes severe disruptions in hormonal, reproductive, and metabolic functions. The underlying cause of PCOS is multifactorial, leading to much debate over its definition. Key features of PCOS include menstrual cycle irregularities, hyperandrogenism (elevated male hormone levels), and obesity. However, symptoms and signs can vary significantly among women with PCOS.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PCOS

• Menstrual Disturbance: Irregular or absent menstrual periods.
• Hyperandrogenism: Increased male hormone levels, leading to acne and facial hair growth.
• Infertility: Ovulatory dysfunction causing difficulty in conceiving.
• Obesity: May exacerbate PCOS symptoms.
• PCOS Ovaries on Ultrasound: Presence of cysts in the ovaries, with or without symptoms.
• Anovulation: Failure to release an egg monthly, resulting in irregular or absent menstrual periods.

Endocrine (Hormonal) Disturbance

• Androgens: Elevated testosterone levels causing excess or unwanted body and facial hair growth.
• Luteinising Hormone (LH): Normal or slightly reduced levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
• Other Hormones: Possible alterations in fasting insulin, prolactin, and thyroid function, though these are not routinely measured.

Possible Long-Term Consequences of PCOS

• Dyslipidaemia: Abnormal lipid or cholesterol profile.
• Hypertension: Increased blood pressure.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Increased risk of heart disease.
• Endometrial Carcinoma: Cancer of the uterine lining.

Types

Types of PCOS Treatment in Bangalore

PCOS is a complex condition with various manifestations. Individuals may experience different combinations of symptoms, leading to distinct types of the disorder. The main types include:

• Classic PCOS: This is the most prevalent type, characterized by irregular menstrual periods, ovarian cysts, and elevated levels of androgens (male hormones).
• Non-Classic PCOS: Some individuals exhibit PCOS-like symptoms without the typical presence of ovarian cysts.
• Lean PCOS: In this subtype, individuals with a lower body mass index (BMI) may still experience PCOS symptoms, posing challenges in diagnosis.

Causes

Causes of PCOS

The exact cause of PCOS remains unclear, but several factors may contribute to its development:

• High Insulin Levels: Insulin, responsible for regulating blood sugar levels, might play a significant role. Many women with PCOS exhibit insulin resistance, leading to elevated insulin levels in an attempt to compensate. This can result in increased androgen production, disrupting ovulation and menstrual cycles.
• Genetics: Research suggests a genetic component to PCOS, with various genes associated with the condition, implying a familial inheritance pattern.
• Low-Grade Inflammation/Autoimmunity: Some females with PCOS may experience low-grade inflammation or autoimmunity. This inflammatory state could stimulate androgen production by the polycystic ovaries, further complicating hormonal balance.

Treatement

How is PCOS Treated?

PCOS Treatment in Bangalore focuses on managing individual symptoms and reducing long-term health risks. Treatment options include:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Making healthy lifestyle changes such as adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and managing weight can improve insulin sensitivity and hormone balance.
• Medications: Depending on the symptoms, healthcare providers may prescribe medications like birth control pills to regulate periods, anti-androgen medications to address hirsutism and acne, or metformin to improve insulin sensitivity.
• Fertility Treatments: For individuals trying to conceive, fertility treatments such as ovulation induction or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be recommended.
• Surgery: laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling (LOD) Surgery performed

If you suspect you have PCOS or have received a diagnosis, consulting with a healthcare professional or fertility expert is essential for developing an effective management plan tailored to your specific needs.

Options

Treatment Options for Infertility in Females with PCOS

Infertility in women with PCOS is often attributed to anovulation, the failure to release an egg each month. If lifestyle changes like adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight loss haven’t restored regular ovulation and menstrual cycles, medication may be necessary to induce ovulation.

The following medications to induce ovulation may be considered

• Clomiphene: An oral anti-estrogen medication typically tried first, prescribed early in the menstrual cycle. Ultrasound monitoring of ovarian response is advised to mitigate the risk of multiple follicular development and potential multiple pregnancies.
• Letrozole: Another oral medication that may be used to induce ovulation in women with PCOS.
• Gonadotropins: If oral medications fail to induce ovulation, gonadotropins may be necessary. These are administered via subcutaneous injection.
• Metformin: This oral medication, primarily used in type 2 diabetes treatment, improves insulin sensitivity and reduces insulin levels, beneficial for women with PCOS exhibiting insulin resistance.
• In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF): If other treatments are ineffective, IVF can assist women with PCOS in achieving pregnancy.

It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider if experiencing any PCOS symptoms for early and accurate diagnosis. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing potential long-term complications. Your healthcare provider will discuss available treatment options and formulate a management plan tailored to your specific needs.

Diagnosed

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

Diagnosing PCOS requires a thorough assessment by a healthcare provider. The diagnostic process usually involves the following steps:

• Medical History: Your healthcare provider will gather information about your menstrual history, symptoms, and any family history of PCOS or related conditions.
• Physical Examination: A physical exam may be conducted to identify signs of PCOS, such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth) or acne.
• Blood Tests: Hormone levels, including testosterone and insulin, will be measured through blood tests. Elevated levels may indicate PCOS.
• Pelvic Ultrasound: An ultrasound may be performed to visualize the ovaries and detect the presence of cysts.

For a PCOS diagnosis, individuals typically need to meet specific criteria, such as irregular periods, elevated androgen levels, and the exclusion of other conditions that could mimic PCOS symptoms.

Assist You

How Sattva Fertility Can Assist You

Sattva Fertility (IVF Clinic in Bangalore) is equipped with cutting-edge technology and skilled doctors dedicated to assisting with PCOS regulation and addressing infertility resulting from the condition. Depending on individual circumstances, our doctors may recommend the following interventions to regulate the menstrual cycle:

• Birth Control Tablets: Estrogen and progestin-containing pills can help regulate hormone levels, reducing androgen production and regulating estrogen. This regulation can lower the risk of endometrial cancer, as well as alleviate symptoms like abnormal bleeding, excessive hair growth, and acne. Alternatives such as skin patches or vaginal rings containing a combination of estrogen and progestin are available.
• Progestin Treatment: Progestin, a form of hormone replacement therapy, can aid in period regulation and lower the risk of endometrial cancer. However, it does not reduce androgen levels or prevent pregnancy. Progestin-only minipills or intrauterine devices containing progestin are preferable for those seeking contraception.

For individuals with irregular ovulation despite lifestyle adjustments, seeking the help of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) may be necessary. 

At Sattva Fertility, we offer assistance to infertility patients through procedures like

• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): This simple technique involves collecting, concentrating, and depositing sperm into the uterus. Oral medications or injectables are used to induce ovulation in PCOS individuals undergoing IUI therapy, increasing the chances of successful pregnancy compared to natural intercourse.
• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): IVF is the most successful reproductive treatment for PCOS patients. It boasts high pregnancy success rates and short time to conception. Eggs are extracted, fertilised with sperm in a lab, cultured for several days, and then transferred into the uterus. Various drug regimens are combined with IVF for PCOS patients to enhance ovulation and improve egg and embryo quality.

Booking an appointment with our doctors can provide consultation and a detailed understanding of your specific concerns and needs.