PCOS is a very common condition which affects around 10-15% of women in the age group from 12-45. This largely overlaps with reproductive age which generally is 25-40 years. One in 10 women in India is suffering from this problem.
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
This is a syndrome which occurs due to imbalance of hormones in woman’s body, mainly hormone Androgen which is a male sex hormone. Generally this hormone is present in a very small amount in the ovaries. It helps in egg development in ovaries during menstrual cycle. In PCOS, this hormone production increases & this causes multiple problems in ovulation. Primarily, the excess of Androgen stops maturation of follicles because of which oocytes are not available for conception. Secondly, this causes formation of multiple cysts in ovaries because follicles do not mature and are not released from ovaries. Hence the name Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Thirdly, this causes other minor impacts also like, irregular menstruation, acne (pimples), extra facial & body hair growth.

What are the symptoms of PCOS/PCOD?

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Weight gain
• Extra hairs on face & body
• Acne(pimples)
• Fertility problems because of anovulation or defect in ovulation like unruptured follicle, cyst formation
• Thinning of hairs on scalp due to excess androgen
• Depression

What are the factors causing PCOS/PCOD?

• Genetic factors
• Excess androgen
• Obesity
• Insulin rise