Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Women suffering from PCOS have hormonal imbalances and metabolic problems that can affect their overall health and appearance. PCOS Treatment Pakistan is a clinic where infertility can be treated.
What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a common condition caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. This hormonal imbalance causes problems in the ovaries. The ovaries are responsible for producing the eggs that are released every month as part of a healthy menstrual cycle. If a woman has PCOS, the egg may not develop or be released during ovulation as it should.
PCOS symptoms include:
Irregular menstrual cycle. Women with PCOS may experience amenorrhea or have fewer periods than normal (fewer than eight per year). It can also happen that periods occur every 21 days or even less. Some women with PCOS have a missed period.
Lots of hair on the face, chin, or parts of the body where men normally have hair. This phenomenon is called “hirsutism” and affects 70% of women with PCOS.
Acne on the face, chest, and upper back
Hair thinning or hair loss; male pattern baldness
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Darkening of the skin, particularly in the folds of the neck, in the groin, and under the breasts
Skin tags, which are small bumps of skin in the armpits or neck area
What causes PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Most experts consider several factors, including genetic factors, as possible causes:
High levels of androgens. Androgens are sometimes referred to as “male hormones,” although all women make small amounts of androgens. Androgens control the development of masculine characteristics, such as male pattern baldness. Women with PCOS have more androgens than normal. Higher than normal androgen levels can prevent the release of an egg from an ovary (ovulation) each menstrual cycle and can cause excessive hair growth and acne, two signs of PCOS.
Elevated insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps process food into energy. Insulin resistance occurs when body cells do not respond normally to insulin. As a consequence, blood insulin levels are higher than normal. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, especially those who are overweight and obese, have unhealthy eating habits, do not get enough physical activity, or have a family history of diabetes (usually type 2 diabetes). Over time, insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Can I still get pregnant with PCOS?
Yes. Having PCOS does not mean that you cannot get pregnant. PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women and can be treated. In women with PCOS, the hormonal imbalance interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). If you don’t ovulate, you can’t get pregnant.
Your doctor can discuss which methods contribute to ovulation and how to increase the chances of getting pregnant. You can also use our Ovulation Calendar to see which days in your menstrual cycle you might be most fertile.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. To diagnose PCOS and rule out other causes of your symptoms, your doctor may ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam and other tests:
Physical exam. Your PCOS Specialist in Lahore will take your blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist measurements. They will also look at your skin for excessive hair on your face, chest, or back, acne, or skin discoloration. In addition, he or she may examine you for hair loss or signs of other health conditions (such as an enlarged thyroid gland).
Pelvic exam. The doctor may perform a pelvic exam to look for signs of additional male hormones (for example, an enlarged clitoris) and to check whether the ovaries have become larger than normal or are swollen.
Pelvic ultrasound (sonogram). This test uses ultrasound to examine your ovaries for cysts and to check the endometrium (the layer that lines the inside of the uterus or womb).
Blood test. Blood tests are used to count levels of androgen, sometimes known as the “male hormone.” The doctor will also look for other common hormone-related health problems that can be confused with PCOS, such as thyroid disease. Your doctor may also check your cholesterol levels and run tests to detect or rule out diabetes.
How is PCOS treated?
There is no cure for PCOS, but you can control your symptoms. IVF in Pakistan will work on a treatment plan based on your symptoms, your plans to have children, and your risk for long-term conditions like diabetes and heart disease.