By Dr. Vinatha Puli
Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Urogynaecologist
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is no longer a rare condition. It's become one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women, especially those in their reproductive years. Surprisingly, more and more young women in their late teens and twenties are being diagnosed with PCOS, often dealing with its symptoms silently and without adequate support.
In this blog, Dr. Vinatha Puli, a leading Gynecologist in Hyderabad and an experienced Urogynecologist in Hitec City, explores the silent rise of PCOS, its impact on women's health, lifestyle-related triggers, and the various ways it can be managed.
What is PCOS?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal imbalance that interferes with normal ovulation and menstrual cycles. Women with PCOS may have irregular periods, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and polycystic ovaries—where the ovaries contain many small cysts or follicles.
Why is PCOS on the Rise Among Young Women?
1. Lifestyle Changes
With increasing urbanization, sedentary jobs, and digital consumption, physical activity has taken a back seat. Many young women spend hours on laptops and mobile devices, leading to minimal movement and weight gain—two significant contributors to hormonal imbalance.F
2. Dietary Habits
Modern dietary patterns often include excessive refined sugars, processed foods, and junk food. A diet high in sugar can lead to insulin resistance, one of the key factors in PCOS development.
3. Chronic Stress
High stress levels, especially among students and working professionals, lead to elevated cortisol levels, which can disrupt other hormonal processes, including ovulation.
4. Environmental Toxins
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, beauty products, and even some foods can affect hormone regulation and may be linked to the rise of PCOS cases.
Common Symptoms of PCOS
- Irregular or missed periods
- Excess facial and body hair (hirsutism)
- Acne or oily skin
- Thinning scalp hair
- Weight gain, especially around the belly
- Difficulty losing weight
- Darkening of the skin (especially on neck and armpits)
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Mood swings and depression
How is PCOS Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves a combination of the following:
1. Medical History and Physical Exam
Your gynecologist will evaluate symptoms and family history. A pelvic exam helps identify any abnormal growths or changes in the reproductive organs.
2. Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound may be used to examine the ovaries and the thickness of the uterine lining. The presence of multiple follicles (cysts) is a typical sign.
3. Blood Tests
These tests check hormone levels, including:
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Testosterone
- Prolactin
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Fasting glucose and insulin levels
Treatment Options for PCOS
1. Lifestyle Modifications
The first and often most effective treatment is lifestyle change:
- Regular exercise (30–45 minutes of moderate activity daily)
- A balanced diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and low-glycemic index foods
- Weight loss (even 5-10% of body weight can restore ovulation)
- Stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or therapy
2. Medications
Depending on symptoms and fertility goals, a gynecologist may prescribe:
- Birth control pills to regulate periods and reduce androgen levels
- Metformin to improve insulin resistance
- Clomiphene citrate or Letrozole to induce ovulation
- Anti-androgens like spironolactone for acne and hirsutism
3. Fertility Treatments
For women trying to conceive, options include:
- Ovulation induction medications
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- In vitro fertilization (IVF)
4. Surgical Options
In rare cases, laparoscopic ovarian drilling may be recommended to stimulate ovulation when other treatments fail.
Long-Term Health Risks of PCOS
If left untreated, PCOS can lead to more serious health issues such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Depression and anxiety
- Endometrial cancer
This is why regular follow-ups with a trusted gynecologist like Dr. Vinatha Puli, the best Obstetrician in Madhapur, are crucial.
Our Faq,s
1. Can PCOS be cured permanently?
No, PCOS is a chronic condition, but it can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes and medications.
2. Is weight gain a cause or symptom of PCOS?
Both. Weight gain can worsen PCOS symptoms, and PCOS can make it harder to lose weight due to insulin resistance.
3. Can I get pregnant with PCOS?
Yes, many women with PCOS conceive successfully with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
4. Does PCOS cause mood swings?
Yes, hormonal imbalances can contribute to depression, anxiety, and irritability.
5. Is PCOS only seen in overweight women?
No, even women with a normal BMI can have PCOS, a condition known as "lean PCOS."
6. Should I see a specialist for PCOS?
Yes, a qualified gynecologist or urogynecologist, like Dr. Vinatha Puli, can guide you with a customized treatment plan.
PCOS is a complex, multifactorial condition that affects every woman differently. But with awareness, early diagnosis, and lifestyle improvements, young women can take control of their health and live fully.
If you're facing symptoms or have concerns about hormonal imbalance, reach out to an expert like Dr. Vinatha Puli, an experienced Gynecologist in Hyderabad, trusted Urogynecologist in Hitec City, and the best Obstetrician in Madhapur.
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