• PCOS is a polycystic ovarian syndrome caused by hormonal imbalance in females. In this disorder, there is increased production of male hormones which causes delayed or no ovulation resulting in multiple cyst formations in ovaries.
• This hormonal disorder is getting common in females of reproductive age due to an unknown exact cause but poor lifestyle and genetics can also lead to PCOS.

PCOS diagnoses include:

• Detailed medical and family history of the patient
• Physical examination of the pelvis
• Blood tests to check the levels of male hormones, blood sugar and cholesterol
• Ultrasound is used to see the abnormal cyst formation in the ovaries and thickness of the endometrium of the uterus.

• Early detection is key to treatment for PCOS. Proper diagnosis and medications are used to:
  • Manage abnormal hormone levels for regular menstrual cycle and ovulation
  • Treat the symptoms like excessive body hair growth, acne, etc
  • Prevent the complications of PCOS
• Lifestyle modifications including exercises and diet are also recommended for the maximum benefits of the medical treatment.

If left untreated PCOS can result in:

• Infertility
• Gestational diabetes
• Pregnancy-related high blood pressure
• Miscarriage or premature birth
• Non-alcoholic liver inflammation is caused by fat accumulation in the liver
• Metabolic syndrome presented as high blood pressure and high blood sugar & cholesterol levels
• Type 2 diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Depression and anxiety
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Cancer of the uterine lining

Yes, the polycystic ovarian syndrome can cause infertility in females. It causes infertility by stopping female egg maturation and release from the ovary due to hormonal imbalance. It is a common reason for infertility in females, around 6-26 per cent of the female population is suffering from the polycystic ovarian syndrome.

The exact cause of the polycystic ovarian syndrome is unknown but environmental factors and genetics can also play an important role in causing hormonal imbalance. It can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle including exercises and a healthy diet in everyday routine. Maintaining a healthy weight, normal blood sugar and cholesterol levels can prevent developing PCOS.

Risk factor results in hormonal imbalance and increases the chances of PCOS. Risk factors for PCOS are:

• Family history increases the chances of the patient developing polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet
• Diabetes and insulin resistance
• Inflammation
• Birth control pills
• Stress
• Uncontrolled blood sugar and cholesterol levels