Acne to infertility: Hidden impact of PCOS on women’s health

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age, with an estimated 5% to 10% of women worldwide experiencing its effects and in India 1 in 5 women suffer from PCOS. From irregular menstrual cycles to infertility, PCOS can significantly impact a woman’s ability to conceive but it doesn’t make pregnancy impossible.
With proper management, including lifestyle changes, medication and fertility treatments, many women with PCOS are able to successfully become pregnant. Regular check-ups and early intervention are key to understanding the condition and managing it effectively can empower women with effective strategies to achieve their reproductive goals.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Monica Kumbhat of Neuberg Diagnostics, answered, “PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that affects ovarian function. Women with PCOS may have an excess of androgens and insulin resistance, leading to the formation of small cysts on the ovaries. This imbalance disrupts the normal menstrual cycle, making ovulation infrequent or absent in many cases. Because ovulation is critical for conception, this disruption is the primary reason PCOS is closely linked to infertility.”

Dr Monica Kumbhat shared, “PCOS is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, blood tests and ultrasound. A common diagnostic blood test to measure the levels of Hormone levels, glucose and insulin level and cholesterol and lipid profile. For women trying to conceive, a doctor may also assess ovulation patterns and ovarian reserve (the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs).”

 
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.