Be aware of PCOS

As we all know September is PCOS awareness month which is being discussed about all over the world. PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal imbalance that interferes with a woman’s reproductive system. When you have PCOS, your ovaries are larger than normal and can have many tiny cysts that contain immature eggs which create hindrances in conceiving. It is one of the most common causes of infertility in women.

Basically, PCOS is a common condition and being overweight worsens all the clinical features. Watch out if you see these clinical features like:

•        Irregular periods

•        Unwanted hair growth on face, chest, abdomen, thighs

•        Oily skin and acne

•        Type 2 diabetes

•        Obesity

•        Increased cholesterol

What causes PCOS?

High levels of the insulin have also been linked to PCOS. Insulin is a hormone that controls the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body to use or store. Many women with PCOS have too much insulin in their bodies because they have problems using it. Excess insulin appears to increase production of androgen.

Being overweight or obese is another major and contributory cause of PCOS. However, if you are overweight or obese, excess fat can make insulin resistance worse. This may then cause the level of insulin to rise even further. High levels of insulin can contribute to further weight gain.

Since obesity, central obesity and insulin resistance are strongly implicated in its etiology and reduction of these risk factors should be a central treatment focus.

What to do?

The first-line treatment is to educate the patient about weight loss. Weight loss has been consistently successful in reducing insulin resistance and restoring ovulation and fertility. Current conservative treatment should emphasize sustainable weight loss through dietary modification and exercise. Modifying additional lifestyle factors, including alcohol consumption, psychosocial stress and smoking, are also crucial in long-term treatment of PCOS.

Some women report complete relief of PCOS symptoms after changing their diet and exercise habits. Weight loss can help to regulate your cycle, improve the frequency of ovulation, lower androgen levels and thereby improve your fertility.

Can women with PCOS conceive? This is often the most asked question. The short answer is yes.

Having PCOS does not mean you can’t get pregnant because even though it is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, PCOS is treatable.

The good news is that fertility treatment is available for PCOS. So if you have PCOS and getting pregnant is your ultimate dream, all hope is not lost. Shantah Fertility Centre is within your reach.

Read this also: Can you get pregnant even if you have PCOS

There are some treatments that can help women with PCOS have healthy pregnancies. Several women with this condition have been successfully treated at Shantah Fertility Centre, they have been able to conceive their own children.

If you have PCOS and you want to get pregnant, you should work with a competent fertility specialist. The specialist will help make sure you get the right dose of medicines, help with any problems you have, and schedule regular checkups and ultrasounds to see how you’re doing.

In vitro fertilization or IVF is a great option for getting pregnant with PCOS and many women have had great success with IVF, getting pregnant and bringing home healthy babies.

If you would like to start your fertility journey with Shantah IVF Centre then do call us on +91 11 41040956 or +91 9958466687 and you can also connect with us through our Facebook page and we will be in touch to arrange a consultation.