What-is-PCOS ?

On an average,1 in 10 women suffer from PCOS ( polycystic ovarian syndrome), and this is something very close to my heart…most of you are aware of my story of getting my missing periods back. Today let’s dive into the basics, but as we move through ,we’ll talk more about it.

Dr Disha Sridhar

I am a Gynaecologist Obstetrician ( MD, DNB OBGYN )with an emphasis on INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE.

PCOS is a multi hormonal disorder. Women can have delayed irregular cycles, elevated androgens, fluid filled cysts on the ovary from where the name comes from and irregular or absent ovulation.The exact cause is unknown but there’s a genetic element also. It can be caused by excess insulin, low grade inflammation, heredity, excess androgens. More on that on another post.⁣

𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬:⁣

There is no definitive test for PCOS. A Doctor can diagnose PCOS based on several criteria

(1) symptoms that indicate higher than normal androgen levels, including acne along the jawline, chest, and back; unwanted hair growth on the chin and/or chest, loss of hair on the head; weight loss resistance; and waist-to-hip ratio (women with PCOS tend to store unwanted weight around the waistline,

(2) blood tests, including blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, and circulating androgens, and

(3) ultrasound to check the thickness of the endometrium and appearance of the ovaries, even though PCOS cannot be definitively diagnosed exclusively by ultrasound, (because it is normal for ovaries to have ovarian follicles (cysts)). ⁣

𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬:⁣

Missing/irregular periods (not ovulating regularly)⁣
Unwanted hair on face/chest, loss of hair on scalp.
Acne (ex. jawline, chest, and back)⁣
Carrying extra weight around the waistline⁣
Difficulty losing weight⁣
Metabolic syndrome – elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels⁣
Depression, anxiety, and eating disorders⁣

𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬:⁣

Many medications are available with various limitations + success. HOWEVER, diet and lifestyle modification are medically recommended to mitigate symptoms. Whether you choose to use medications or not, getting your diet + lifestyle balanced is a must-do for #PCOS.⁣

We’ll be diving into more in this series! So stay tuned …

In case you would like to know why I am so passionate about women’s hormonal health, watch the video

I would love to hear your comments.

Lots of Love,

Dr. Disha Sridhar

(MD, DNB – OBGYN)

Originally published Jun 3, 2021 by Dr Disha Sridhar