PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) is the common reason for Sub Fertility in women

  

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is extremely prevalent among women now and is one of the common reason for  sub fertility in women. It is associated with metabolic disorders and is very much a life style disorder. Human body was originally engineered to be physically active, but with the modern life style, there is minimum physical exertion along with free availability of rich calorific food without any nutritional value. Both  these factors add up and  results in metabolic disorder and high insulin levels in blood. 

PCOS is commonly found in families with diabetes mellitus. The body develops insulin resistance and  alters hormones like LH  and FSH,  which in turn affects normal menstrual cycle in women. High levels of male hormone, androgens are secreted. Follicles  often get arrested half way in development and doesn't develop into  mature follicles that release eggs. If ovulation doesn’t happen,  the normal menstrual cycle is disturbed leading to irregularities or absence of monthly periods.

Patient’s symptoms and appearance can be suggestive. Blood test for LH and FSH ratio can be done, which will be raised in PCOS. 

Symptoms of PCOS are

a.      Irregular or absence of menstruation

b.     Hirsutism - Excessive hair growth on face and body

c.      Acne, oily skin

d.     Weight gain, obesity ( thin PCOS is also quite common )

e.      Lethargy

f.       Hair fall, male pattern baldness

g.      Difficulty in conceiving 

Vaginal ultra sound scan will show the typical pearl necklace pattern (multiple follicles arranged in the periphery of ovary) .

There is no cure for PCOS, but it can be controlled.  Treatment depends on whether you want to get pregnant or not. Insulin resistance and obesity are two primary causes for PCOS.  Healthy diet and regular exercise can definitely help. Reducing weight in obese women  has been often found effective in tackling PCOS.  A number of obese women who lost  5 to 10 percent of their body weight   were found to start ovulating regularly. Yoga is also extremely helpful in controlling PCOS. Metformin  used to treat diabetes can help regulate ovulation in some women. Intake of birth control pills can regulate periods and control release of male hormones. 

To know about low glycemic food which should be taken in condition of PCOS visit http://bangaloreivf.blogspot.ae/2014/09/low-glycemic-food-chart-for-pcos.html

Fertility medicines like clomiphene and gonadotropins can help women to conceive and up to 20 % success can be achieved with medical treatment. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling can give success of around 60% and is very useful in cases of sub fertility. If the above treatments does not work, there are assisted reproductive techniques like IVF, which can help you start a family.

 

Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

www.giftivf.com

Dr. Anita Mani is a renowned infertility specialist in south India with 15 years experience in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Dr. Anita has successfully set up ART hospitals in Cochin and Bangalore,  along with her spouse  Dr. S Mani She completed MRCOG, from Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist  London, DFFP from  ART Warwick university and  worked in UK for 5 years. Dr. Anitha believes in scientific and ethical practice and is currently the director of Gift Gyno IVF centre Cochin and  Bangalore.  Apart from advanced laparoscopic surgeries, she is also an expert in various ART techniques including IVF, IUI, ICSI , donor egg / sperm. Her proficiency is in genetic abnormalities and high risk pregnancies.