Classically, we thought of PCOS primarily as an infertility disorder or as a
cosmetic annoyance, but we now know it's also a metabolic disorder and a
serious long-term health concern.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, widely known as PCOS is a condition characterised
by chronic failure of ovulation (anovulation) and excessive production of
male hormones (hyperandrogenism). It is characterised by a varied combination
of clinical (oligo/amenorrhoea, hirsutism and obesity) biochemical (increased
S.LH and androgens) and sonographic (enlarged polycystic ovaries) along with
insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia.
The heterogeneous nature of the disease, along with lack of precise diagnostic
criteria has made the determination of true epidemiology of PCOS difficult.
Symptoms of PCOS:
- Acne
- Weight gain and trouble losing it.
- Extra hair on face /chest/belly.
- Thinning of hair on scalp.
- Insulin resistance/Type 2 Diabetes.
- Irregular periods/no/heavy periods.
- Fertility issues/ not getting pregnant
- Depression/sleep disorder/anxiety.
