Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that diminishes a woman’s ability to conceive by affecting the natural balance of hormones in her body. The condition, also referred to as polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), affects nearly ten percent of women of reproductive age and is a common cause of infertility in women.

Dr Jyothi Patil has specialised in the treatment of PCOS symptoms and related complications through treatment protocols customised for each patient, Dr. Jyothi Patil and her team have successfully treated numerous women living with PCOS and PCOS-related infertility.

A woman’s ovaries contain a large number of follicles or tiny sacs, each of which contains an egg. During a menstrual cycle, several follicles begin to develop but only one of these will release a mature egg through ovulation. In polycystic ovaries, the follicles do not develop properly; as a result a woman with polycystic ovaries will not ovulate regularly. This leads to irregular periods and difficulty in conceiving.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

If you are facing difficulty getting pregnant despite regular, unprotected intercourse, the following symptoms may indicate polycystic ovaries:

• Fluctuating menstrual cycle
• Absence of periods
• Visible hormonal changes such as excess facial and body hair and acne caused by increased levels of male hormones (androgens)
• Unexplained weight gain

Your doctor might then recommend:

• Physical examination to identify visible symptoms
• Check for anovulation (infrequent ovulation)
• Blood tests to measure hormone levels
• Ultrasound to check for ovarian cysts

Once a PCOS diagnosis is confirmed, Dr Jyothi Patil will recommend the treatment options available and work with you to determine the treatment best suited to your individual condition and treatment goals.

Though PCOS is not uncommon, if left unattended, it may contribute to severe infertility which is inarguably more challenging to treat. Therefore, timely and proper treatment of PCOS is essential for your physical and emotional wellbeing.