PCOS

Types of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is generally classified into the following categories based on the underlying cause which is responsible for it. These are:

• Insulin-Resistant PCOS: It’s the most common type, triggered by lifestyle factors and pollution. It is marked by increased levels of insulin, that lead to weight gain and affect ovulation
• Pill-Induced PCOS: It is the second most common type of PCOS, triggered by frequent and long-term use of birth control pills and is marked by elevated levels of luteinizing hormone (LH).
• Lean PCOS: It is a type of PCOS seen in women who are not obese or overweight, and is marked by hormonal imbalance and irregular menstruation
• Inflammatory PCOS: It is caused by exposure to environmental toxins, excessive stress and consuming inflammatory foods, like those containing gluten, and is marked by vitamin D deficiency, elevated thyroid levels and frequent infections/allergies
• Adrenal PCOS: It is marked by elevated levels of hormone androgen in the body, which can cause symptoms like irregular periods, acne outbreaks and excessive hair growth.
• Hidden PCOS: It is a result of unknown factors such as genetic factors, environmental factors or a combination of both
• Post-pregnancy PCOS: Also known as postpartum PCOS, it can develop after childbirth, due to the disruption of hormones

When should you consider seeing our experts?

Untreated PCOS can give rise to complications like infertility, which makes it important to seek timely care as soon as you start experiencing the symptoms.

PCOS symptoms differ from woman to woman, but the following are some of the most common:

• Less than eight periods per year
• Heavy or reduced menstrual flow
• Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, back, and other parts of the body. 
• Acne outbreaks and oily skin
• Weight gain and difficulty in reducing weight.
• Inability to conceive despite trying 
• Dark patches of skin on the neck and around the groin and breasts
• Male pattern baldness and thinning of hair

What causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

There are many factors that can contribute to causing polycystic ovary syndrome.

While the underlying cause may not always be known, it can be linked to any of the following:

• Insulin Resistance: Insulin is a hormone that aids in blood sugar regulation in the body. Women with PCOS have increased insulin levels, which can lead to insulin resistance. This means that the body is less able to utilise insulin properly, resulting in high blood sugar levels and an increase in androgen (male hormone) synthesis.
• Hormonal Imbalance: PCOS is characterised by a hormonal imbalance in the body, including increased amounts of androgens and lower levels of oestrogen. The exact cause of this hormone imbalance is unknown, however, it is assumed to be connected to insulin resistance and other variables.
• Genetics: PCOS tends to run in families, implying that the disorder may have a hereditary component. However, the specific genes involved in PCOS development have not been discovered.
• Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle factors, such as a poor diet and a lack of exercise, might also contribute to the development of PCOS. These variables can cause insulin resistance, weight gain, and other health issues that increase the risk of diabetes.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Obesity

Although not always, in the majority of cases, polycystic ovary syndrome does lead to weight gain or make it difficult for you to lose extra pounds. 

This is a result of reduced sensitivity to insulin, commonly referred to as insulin resistance, which is known to increase your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, infertility, cholesterol and even endometrial cancer.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Fertility

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the leading causes of female infertility. In fact, 70 to 80 % of women suffering from the problem face fertility issues and pregnancy-related complications.

However, having PCOS does not necessarily mean that you will not get pregnant.

With proper medical intervention and lifestyle modification, there are very high chances of a natural conception and healthy pregnancy.

How we diagnose you

If you present with any of the symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, our experts may use the following techniques to confirm the diagnosis:

• Pelvic Examination: This involves the physical examination and inspection of the pelvic organs.
• Blood Analysis: This is done to assess the levels of different hormones in your body to exclude other possible causes of the symptoms that you have been experiencing, like TSH, FSH, LH, 25-hydroxy Vitamin D3 and serum prolactin
• Ultrasound: This is done to thoroughly examine the uterus and ovaries and look out for any abnormal growth or mass

Treatments

Based on your specific symptoms and their adversity, our experts curate a personalized treatment plan to help you manage PCOS effectively. This includes:

• Changes in Lifestyle: These include lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, regular exercise, and a nutritious diet, that can help manage PCOS symptoms in many individuals.
• Drugs & Medications: These include birth control pills, metformin, or anti-androgen drugs which are prescribed to help with the symptoms.
• Fertility Therapies: These are for women who are unable to conceive owing to PCOS, we provide a variety of fertility treatments, including ovulation induction, in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and intrauterine insemination (IUI).
• Surgery: It may be recommended in rare circumstances to remove cysts or other growths on the ovaries.