Suggest The Precautions To Be Taken For Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Brief Answer: NOT CURABLE TOTALLY, CAN BE CONTROLLED. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Thanks for writing to us with your health concern. Polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS ) is characterized by basic hormonal imbalance. Due to the underlying hormonal imbalance, the ovary gets studded with multiple small follicles ( cysts ) - and none of them succeed in forming mature egg each month. Thus there is problem in ovulation and in regular menstrual bleeding. Often, such women have difficulties such as - irregular periods / delayed periods / scanty menstrual bleeding / hirsutism ( excessive hair growth on chin etc ) . As such, PCOS is not totally curable. You can only keep it in check. This can be done firstly by maintaining an ideal body weight. Moderate exercise done regularly and healthy eating can definitely regulate your cycles. Also, you should have detailed evaluation. This includes - Pelvic ultrasound scan Hormonal measurements - FSH, LH, prolactin, TSH, glucose tolerance test, Fasting serum insulin, DHEAS, free testosterone. Once these investigations are done, severity of disease can be estimated. For regular monthly periods, many women are given cyclical progesterone treatment each month to induce withdrawal bleeding on time. Metformin also is frequently given, as it helps to treat PCOS. If fertility is an issue ( you have mentioned that you have had one delivery ) - then further treatment maybe required. Since women with PCOS have menstrual irregularities, ovulation is also unpredictable, hence they often need treatment with ovulation inducing agents ( clomiphene etc ) to stimulate the ovaries . Otherwise, apart from the fertility viewpoint, no major medications need to be taken. Women with PCOS have high risk of developing diabetes, endometrial hyperplasia ( thickening of the lining of the uterus , leading to high risk of endometrial cancer ) - hence you should be regularly screened for that. The main precautions for you are - 1. Maintain ideal body weight 2. Exercise regularly 3. Eat healthy - avoid intake of fat, starch, oily, greasy food, very sweet and salty foods. 4. Have thorough gynec check up ( internal exam ) and pelvic ultrasound scan, Pap smear every year 5. Have your thyroid levels and blood sugar levels checked every 6 months. 6. Maintain a menstrual chart ( menstrual diary ) Do not stress out or worry. PCOS is not life threatening, and very common these days in women of reproductive age group. As long as you are aware of your condition, and try your best to control it, it will be something you can always overcome. All the best Please feel free to ask for further clarifications.

---