Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

It is a common complex hormonal disorder, affecting up to ten percent of women (reproductive age) worldwide.

While there is no cure for PCOS, the symptoms are treatable with varying degrees of success.

The three treatable features of polycystic ovarian disease include the clinical symptoms, hormonal abnormalities and metabolic problems.

But, if PCOS is left untreated it can lead to various life-threatening conditions including hypertension, kidney problems, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and heart disease. Endometrial cancer can occur due to anovulatory menstrual cycles.

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome may complain of abnormal bleeding, extreme weight gain, depression, tiredness, hair loss, thyroid problems, headaches, sleeping disorders, high cholesterol, poor memory, panic attacks, constant thirst, dizzy spells, insulin resistance, extreme cravings, cystic ovaries, cystic acne, anovulatory menstrual cycles (cycles without ovulation), irregular periods, mood swings, high levels of testosterone, infertility, extreme hair growth on face and body.

On the other hand, to treat any of these conditions, it is essential to diagnose reliably and diagnosing is one of the major problems of PCOS (currently) because it is a heterogeneous condition where many different manifestations

polycystic ovarian syndrome

occur, which aren’t constantly present in all women suffering with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

For instance, about 80% of women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries present in their body. Moreover, remember that having polycystic ovaries does not imply that you are suffering with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

Around fifty percent of those with polycystic ovaries have PCOS and the rest have polycystic ovaries either because of normal variations, or the conditions that lead to multiple ovarian cysts.

Owing to this variability there remains no single diagnostic test with which the diagnosis of PCOS can be done. Instead, a combination of factors is used to diagnose the polycystic ovarian disease.

The factors include, the evidence of hyperandrogenism (excessive male hormones in the blood), anovulation, and other conditions that can cause the above problems.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a complicated condition, and due to this, it should always be diagnosed and treated by a qualified healthcare professional. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman’s stage of life.

Infertility problem should be treated, if you want to become pregnant. Infertility treatments include weight loss diets, ovulation medications (clomiphene, letrozole, Follistim, Gonal-F), ovarian drilling surgery and IVF.

Ovarian drilling surgery is used to reduce hyperandrogenism. Usually, it is performed at the time of laparoscopy.

Ovarian drilling is a laser fiber or electrosurgical needle, which is used to puncture the ovary 10-12 times to reduce the androgenic levels. The studies have shown that about 80% will benefit from this treatment.

A water pill (diuretic) called spironolactone help reverse the problem of acne or excess hair growth.

To overcome anovulation, a medication called clomiphene (clomid) can be used to induce ovulation (cause egg production). Also, weight loss can normalize menstrual cycles and often increases the possibility of having pregnancy (ovulation).

A birth control pill with low androgenic side effects can cause regular periods and prevent the risk of uterus cancer.

Metformin is a medication to treat type II diabetes. It also affects the action of insulin and helps reduce the symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

Some helpful links that clear your doubts regarding PCOS:

Can You Get Pregnant With PCOS? What Treatment Is Required?

What Are Enlarged Ovaries? Why You Should Not Ignore Them?

43 COMMENTS

  1. This article was really superb, which made me realise why I behave abnormally and why I am so unusually tired after doing little things.

    I have a question if you could help me sort it out, Due to severe stomachache, I got admitted in the hospital about 5 years back, where they had to do a laparoscopy surgery. The diagnosis was Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD, as they call it). So I am not sure if its the same as PCOS and if I am suffering from PCOS or the symptoms. I did not take any medication all these years for the irregular menstrual cycle. Now that I am married for a year and have had very irregular periods, I have set to worry about it, I am not sure if I am overweight. I am 23 years old and weigh 60 kgs. I am blank and do not know how to proceed. Please help.

  2. i have been having several menstrual problems which were never completely diagnosed nor explained. your site very simply gives a detailed explanations to various problems.
    however it would be great if you offer some medical counselling as well.

  3. I found this article very helpful,since I am suffering from same problem, I have had irregular periods from the beggining,I had an Ultra Sound test about 6 months ago and there was showing small follicles in perephreal areas of both ovaries ,I start taking some prescribed medication for my irregular periods it was effective ,I got married after that ,then I had another U/S test again it was showing every thing normal but still I had problem of irregular periods I took that prescribed medication again for this problem it was fixed but I didnt get pregnent and now it is about two months that I miss periods , I didnt take medications for that again, by the way ,I have extra hair grow on my face and other areas of my body and I feel I am over weight. Iam 26 years old and I weighs 75 Kgs.I need your help please

    Thanks

  4. Hi,
    I am 24 unmarried height 5.5 and weight 64 kgs.i am suffering with irregular periods and some times heavy bleeding with blood clots.i went to doctor and she said iam having polycystic ovaries.before i met the doctor i have heavy bleeding with blood clots so she gave tablet primulate to stop bleeding for 10 days after stopping tablet in the 3rd day i got period doctor told me to take ovral-l tablet to be taken in second day of the period begins for 3 months will the bleeding will stop after 5th day or not and will my periods will become regular or not by using this medicine.doctor said i am having very small cysts in my ovaries of size 2mm is this harmful and may it lead to any dieseas in future can i able to give birth to children after marriage or not? will this ovaries lead to any cancers? please help me iam really very upset becoz of this give me your valuable suggestions

  5. hi,
    i am 25 years old.my weight is 52kg.height 151cm.i got married before 2.5 years.i didnt get pregnant due to pcos.i am having irregular periods.i am taking glyciphage as prescribed by doctor for about 8 months.still now no improvement.i very much depressed for not having child. what treatment i have to take for immediate pregnancy.please suggest proper medication and advice.. thanks

  6. I had Found an Symptoms of PCO”s Last Four Months Back for an irregular Periods, Now i am 25 years old and i got married last six months back , i am under tratment now, i want to conceive now , is this possible

  7. I found out in my sono in july 08 that i have polycyst ovaries as had no menses even after my daughter was almost a year. Though my gynaec said that it was ok and i need not worry . I have no idea if i had this before my pregnancy as did not have any irregular periods. Should i consult a doctor? I am a bit worried. please reply.

  8. Hi. I am 27yrs old and i am diagnosed with Polysistic Ovaries. sometimes i dont get periods for3 months but now i started taking regestorne every month. doctor has asked me to take glycomet or metchek everyday life time. he said nothing can be done now. i am not taking glycomet or metcheck and i dont want to get into any trouble before or after marriage.. is it fine if i dont take these medicines? i had started gaining weight but joined gym. there are no other side effects on my body except that. should i tell this to the guy before getting married. will there be any problem in pregnancy?
    Please Reply. i need help

  9. Hey I am married and am suffering from poly cystic overies i was taking metformin& a contraceptive to treat the problem for reglar periods.Now i have stopped all the medicens & am depending on yoga.I want to plan a pregnancy but am not knowing how to go aboutit.Due to yoga now my periods are delayed for jst about 15-20 days.Pl help me

  10. hi i am married from last two years and i am having PSOS ,even i had a laproscopy for that,still i dnt concieve even a single time, my cycle is normally four to fiev days late ,however ths month it is 17 days late ,is ths is a pregnancy however i have a preganacy test which is negtive ,still can ths possible,please help

  11. i am 23 unmarried and suffering from poly cystic ovarian disease,it was diagnosed 3 years back..as i always get periods in 3 months…some hair also started to grow on my breasts as well…i become tired very quickly…and find myself inefficient…i am getting married should i tell dis to my fiance…will i be able to concieve???/i am very tensed!!!!

  12. My Wife 29yrs ( 1980 )has been diagnosed with Poly Cyst Disease , married for 10 years with two children 7 & 5 ages. Two years back she had the same problem and gone thru laproscopic surgery for removal of cysts along with apendix. but recently she has done U/s again the same problem occured. Kindly suggest. She has irregular periods.

  13. hi …..
    im 22 yrs now.i came to know that i have PCOS.will it be able to cure now.my periods are regular but not much flow.i have been increasing my weight from 2yrs.increased about 15kgs.inspite i go to gym everyday and in balance diet i have been putting on weight.plss suggest what i shud do to reduce my weight and what to do?i dont know anything plssss help

  14. hi
    i have been suffering from pcod for the past 3 years.although my menses have regularised.i have excess hair growth on my face and body.i am 22 years old,5′,and weigh 55kgs,i have tried a lot of medicines but nothing seems to be working .plz help

  15. I have polycystic ovarries. My periods are irregular.I am gaining weight inspite of doing exercise and walk. I get tired very soon, there is loss of hair. I recently started having pain in my lower abdomen and feel discomfort. My doctor has put me on Yasmin (oral contraceptive) tablets once daily for 21 days for three months to regularise my periods. I am worried, please suggest what is to be done. I am 20 years old & my height is 5 feet 4 inches and my weight is 68 kg.

  16. hi

    this is priya 22 yrs…am suffering with PCOS…My periods are irregular…So doctor advised me to take orgamed n metformin.I took them continuously for 1 yr and I stopped taking them.Due to this orgamed I had severe hair loss and growth of my facial hair.In past 6 mths I gained 10 kgs weight now am 64kgs and my height is 5 feet 4 inches…and am suffering with this PCOS from past 4 years…Can u plz help in solving my problem.

  17. My daughter has PCOS. She is overweight and has a pre diabetic condition. Her periods are regular but painful. She is on Glycomet 250 thrice a day.

    Are her periods anovulatory? If so, what are the implications?

    Will she have to take Glycomet life long? her reading is 100.30 in the given range of 70-100

    If she loses weight will the reading of sugar become normal?

    Please help
    Distressed mother

  18. hi,
    i am 25 years old.my weight is 52kg.height 151cm.i got married before 2.5 years.i didnt get pregnant due to pcos.i am having irregular periods.i am taking glyciphage as prescribed by doctor for about 8 months.still now no improvement.i very much depressed for not having child. what treatment i have to take for immediate pregnancy.please suggest proper medication and advice.. thanks

  19. Hi,
    iam 22yrs old, unmarried. I had irregular periods due to POCS 3yrs back. The doctor had advised a oral tablets. Later my periods became regular, i started loosing weight i was fine. Now again i have the same irregular periods. Now doctor has advised me to take some Cyprotene Acetate and Ethinyloestradiol tablets. Will i have regular periods? Is there any permanent solution for this? Iam really depressed. Will i be able to concieve after my marriage? Will have this problem throught my life? Can u plz help me out. Thanks

  20. This article was really superb, which made me realise why I behave abnormally and why I am so unusually tired after doing little things. i am suffering with this PCOS from past 4 years…Can u plz help in solving my problem.

  21. Hi,
    I am 25 yr old, and in jan 2008 got diagnosed due to the irregular periods and spotting, and found Polycystic ovaries,gynac presicribed “Krimpson 35” and i was not prompt in taking the medicine and i stopped it in 3 mnths, bcaz i was gaining weight,and had hyper emotions, i thought because of the medicine.now i am not sure of the status but i m still facing the same issue of not having periods and continous weight gain,hair loss etc. is medicines available in homeopathy? will u plz advice me how to go ahead…

  22. Hie,
    M shammi..21 yrs..ht 165 cms…wt 58…
    At the age of 12 i started getting periods..since beginning only my dates are irregular..at age of 14 i consulted a dr for my problem…i did sonography and came to knw tht due to harmonal imbalance my dates are irregular..i started talking medicines prescirbed by the dr…after that the only month in which i used to take medicines i used to get dates…then again after 3 yrs i consulted homopatheic dr..the situation was same..i used to get dates only when i used to take medicines..
    After 2 yrs i consulted anaother dr…done my sonography and i hav come to knw tht i hav PCOD..m very tensed…m an engineer now..due to studies load i used to panic a lot at times..and even take unnecessary tensions…
    Now also i get periods only when i take medicine in tht particular month…
    I dont knw wht is to be done..plz help me with some solution..and is it true tht the harmones which i take like krimston-35 n all are hazardous to my health in the coming future…i dont knw…plz help me wid some very good solution…will gym and yoga solve my problem??

  23. I have polycystic ovarries. My periods are irregular.I am moderate inspite of doing walking. Some times I feel having pain in my lower abdomen and feel discomfort. My doctor has put me on Yasmin (oral contraceptive) tablets once daily for 21 days for three months to regularise my periods. I am worried, please suggest what is to be done. I am 29 years old & my height is 5 feet 2 inches and my weight is 56 kg. what needs to be done for me to get pregnant. I am married for 1 year.

  24. Please help since im suffering from PCOD from 4 yrs,im not able to know what to do,i have taken medicines from 3 yrs but still the problem is not solved,kindly help me

  25. I have pcos. My periods are irregular.I am moderate inspite of doing walking. Some times I feel having pain in my lower abdomen and feel discomfort. My doctor has put me on Yasmin (oral contraceptive) tablets once daily for 21 days for three months to regularise my periods. But after 6 months my problem again started.I am worried, please suggest what is to be done. I am 28 years old & my height is 5 feet 1 inches and my weight is 56 kg. In 3 months i am going to marry. Please suggest me, what i have to do.

  26. hello
    i m 24 yr old and suffering from the pcos.i want to know that is it occur in the unmarried girls also?what is the treatment for this?

  27. Hi,

    I have polycystic ovarries. My periods are irregular. Some times I feel having pain in my lower abdomen and feel discomfort. My doctor has put me on Krimson 35 tablets once daily for 21 days to regularise my periods. I am worried, please suggest what is to be done. I am 25 years old & my height is 5 feet 2 inches and my weight is 45 kg. what needs to be done for me to get pregnant. I got married 3 months before.

  28. hi,

    Im 24 years old, my partner and I have been trying to concieve for over a year and I was diagnosed with PCOS after having a miscarrage in june 2009, I have had blood tests done, internal scan and external scan my GP has told me I have multiple cysts on my overies. due to having PCOS my periods are irregular and I have severe lower abdomin pain, I have been getting acupuncture treatment weekly and it is starting to help with my menstrul cycle. I dont want to have to rely on accupuncture because of the cost. I have also been told to loose weight which is a continuos battle but working gradually. is there any thing that you can suggest to help with PCOS? and is there medication that I can take to help concieve?
    would be grateful for some good advice
    Emma

  29. im 24 years old, im not married , i was diagnosed with pcos last year and i want to ask if i would pass pcos to my child… i dont want her to suffer like mw

  30. I am 22 yr old, height 5.3′,wt 45kg.I am not married,My periods are irregular since starting and some abnormal hairs are there in my breast.My doctor told me its polycystic ovarries, and put me to take krimsom 35 but I have a query, I am underweight, and I find it difficult to gain weight and weight gain or overweight are the symtoms of polycystic ovarries..Is it possible polycystic ovarries?
    Please reply
    I need ur help

  31. hi.. i m lata..I m 20 yrs old and weigh 57 kgs.my height is 156 cm.I m suffering from PCOS. My periods are irregular. since menarche(at the age of 13), I bleed every 2-3 months. I consulted the doctor in feb’2008 and was suggested to take the oral pills. My periods then were regular till april’08. Now again i hv irregular periods. I bleed heavily with blood clots and it is too painful. I consulted another doctor and was informed that i may get problem in conceiving after marriage. Now i haven’t got my periods since 23rd september’09. I m too tensed.. plz suggest me.. i have unwanted hair growth on my breast and stomach…. I’ll b grateful if i m able to get good advice….

  32. hey i am 21 year old unmarried female.i think i have pcos n i am overweight i tried to loose weight but failed plz help me wt to do..will i get problems in my married life???am i tensed and dont knw wat to do plx help me

  33. hiiiiii
    i m 16 yrs old. My periods r regular,bt I bleed heavily with blood clots and it is too painful n once i got unconcious also..aftr that i consult a dr..she gav som medicineas…to hv on d second day ..then it was fine…
    but i have unwanted hair growth on my breast and stomach…and also in face…whic is vry ocwrd.is it pcos???
    plzzzzzz replyyyyy
    m scared….if so is it curebl….will it effect my married life?????
    plzzzzzz plzzzzzz plzzzzzzzz reply…….
    I’ll b grateful if i m able to get ur advice….

  34. I am 23yrs old.About 3yrs back i came to know that i m having polycystic ovaries.At that tme i took medicines to treat cyst..which took 6 mnths treatment..after 6 mnths i stopped the medicine bcoz the cyst gt dissolved …now its almost 2 yrs after that and i m still havin irregular periods with heavy bleeding and clots..
    i m vry much worried abt it..plz help me..my parents are planning 4 my marriage..i dnt knw wat to do…plz plz help me out..tel me wat should i do???

  35. i am 22 yrs old.about 4 yrs back i came to know that i m having multiple cysts in both ovaries.i did not have periods for a year ,that is the reason for consulting a doctor. i took a lot medicines,i lossed my weight,hair etc.after that i had regular periods for a year. now again i m suffering from irregular periods. i m a student . my stomach looks like a ballon. i often feel to suicide. please help me. i too want 2 enjoy life

  36. hi.. i m janu..I m 26 yrs old and weigh 50 kgs.my height is 152 cm.I m suffering problem of miscarriage. My periods are regular. 28 days cycle…. i had two miscarriage……..ist in sixthmonth delievery……..and 2nd in 3rd month aborion…..i had consulted…..doc say u dont need treatment to hav baby…..u hava harmonal imbalnace that can be treated only after concieving baby……I m too tensed.. plz suggest me.. i have unwanted hair growth on my breast and stomach…. I’ll b grateful if i m able to get good advice….what shall i take treatment??? now we are take gap for not to hav child bt doc says take imeediatly chance……plz give me advsie

  37. hiiiiii
    i m 25 yrs old. My periods r regular,bt I bleed heavily with blood clots ..aftr that i consult a Ayurvedic dr..she gav som medicines…she told me i have got endometrial polyp of arround 1 cm.. now it is Ok but not cured yet…
    but i have unwanted hair growth on my breast and stomach…and also in face…whic is vry ocwrd.is it pcos???
    plzzzzzz replyyyyy
    m scared….if so is it curebl….will it effect my married life?????
    plzzzzzz plzzzzzz plzzzzzzzz reply…….
    I’ll b grateful if i m able to get ur advice….

  38. Tina, you should once again consult the doctor to check whether the cyst is completely dissolved or not or if the cyst returned again.

  39. hi i am 28yrs old and 5 yrs old marriage i am having bulky ovaries . after taking the tablet “aromatin”my ovulation become correct . after the ovulation my doctor advised me to take the tablet “duphaston”. this is continuing from last 4 months . can i get pregnant. there are no blocks in my tube. i am having the the problem of urinary stone. i am also having unwanted hair growth also. pls get me proper advice . pls reply me soon

  40. Hi,
    I m 23 yrs old n diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome.Will this lead in infertility?Please help me with your suggestion of how to cure this prevalence.I had a lot of mental stress,that’s the result of having PCOS.Request your king suggestions.

  41. Hi,
    I am Suruchi, 25 years old, weight – 53 kgs and height 153 cms.…
    At the age of 13 i started getting periods..since beginning only my dates are irregular..at age of 14 I consulted a dr for my problem…i did sonography and came to knw tht due to harmonal imbalance my dates are irregular..i started talking some contraceptive pills – primulut N medicines prescirbed by the dr…after that the only month in which i used to take medicines i used to get dates…then again after 3 yrs i consulted homopatheic dr..the situation was same..i used to get dates only when i used to take medicines..and used to get heavy periods which would not stop without taking the pills. SO I had to continue taking the allopathy medicines.
    After 2 yrs i consulted anaother dr…done my sonography and i hav come to knw tht i hav Polycystic ovaries..m very tensed…m an engineer now and working in an software mnc..due to work pressure, I am not able to spend time on healthy diet and exercise.…
    Now also i get periods only when i take medicine in tht particular month…
    I dont knw wht is to be done..plz help me with some solution..and is it true tht the harmones which i take like krimston-35 or Diane -35 n all are hazardous to my health in the coming future…i dont knw…plz help me wid some very good solution…
    will gym and yoga solve my problem??
    Will homoepathy be a solution for this?
    Do I have to take this medicine thru out my life.
    Will I be able to conceive as I am getting married this year.?
    Can I get rid of my unwanted hair or face and body? is there any permanent solution?

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