PCOS is a common hormonal condition affecting many women in India during their childbearing years. Understanding PCOS symptoms, how doctors diagnose it, and available treatment options helps women make informed health decisions. Consulting a Gynaecologist in Kolkata provides access to proper evaluation and personalized care.
What is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It is a condition where a woman’s hormones are out of balance. Women with PCOS typically have irregular periods, higher levels of male hormones than normal, and multiple small fluid-filled sacs in their ovaries visible on ultrasound.
The exact reason why PCOS develops is not fully clear. Family history, the body’s difficulty using insulin properly, and long-term inflammation in the body all play a role. PCOS affects more than just the reproductive system. It can influence how the body handles sugar and fat, heart health, and emotional well-being.
Doctors use specific criteria to diagnose PCOS. A woman needs to have two out of three features: irregular or no ovulation, signs of excess male hormones, and multiple small cysts in the ovaries seen on ultrasound. Gynaecology Doctor in Kolkata uses these standard guidelines to make an accurate diagnosis.
Common Signs You Might Notice
Period Problems
Women with PCOS often have irregular periods. Periods may come very infrequently or may stop completely for several months. Some women have very long gaps between periods, while others may go many months without bleeding at all. These irregular patterns happen because the hormones controlling ovulation are disrupted.
When periods do come, some women experience very heavy bleeding. Long gaps between periods can cause the uterine lining to build up excessively, leading to heavier flow when bleeding finally occurs. Keeping track of your period patterns helps Gynae Doctor in Kolkata understand your cycle and recommend appropriate help.
Excess Hair Growth and Skin Changes
Higher levels of male hormones cause various physical changes. Many women notice excessive hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, or back where women typically don’t grow much hair. The amount varies greatly from woman to woman.
Acne is common, especially acne that continues beyond teenage years or doesn’t respond well to regular skin treatments. Some women also notice hair thinning on the scalp, similar to male pattern baldness.
Darkening of skin in body folds, particularly the neck, armpits, or under the breasts, often occurs alongside insulin problems. These visible changes can significantly affect how women feel about themselves.
Weight and Blood Sugar Concerns
Many women with PCOS have trouble with how their body handles insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar. When cells don’t respond well to insulin, the body makes more of it to keep blood sugar normal. This excess insulin contributes to weight gain, especially around the belly area, and makes losing weight difficult.
These metabolic problems increase the risk of developing diabetes. Women with PCOS face higher diabetes risk than women without the condition. Regular blood tests help catch these problems early. Gynaecologist Doctor in Kolkata can recommend appropriate blood tests based on your individual situation.
Weight management becomes challenging for many women with PCOS. Difficulty losing weight happens because of the underlying hormone imbalances, not because of lack of effort.
How Doctors Diagnose PCOS
Medical History and Physical Check
Evaluation starts with discussing your menstrual history, weight changes, family health background, and any symptoms you’re experiencing. Physical examination checks your weight, waist size, blood pressure, and signs of hormone imbalance. Gynaecologist in Kolkata conducts a systematic check to identify features suggesting PCOS.
Doctors also check for other conditions that can look like PCOS. Thyroid problems, high prolactin hormone, and other hormone disorders can cause similar symptoms. Careful evaluation helps distinguish PCOS from other conditions.
Blood Tests
Various blood tests help confirm the diagnosis. Tests measure hormones that control ovulation and reproductive function. These hormones often show specific patterns in PCOS.
Tests also measure male hormone levels in the blood. Some women have high levels on tests, while others show only physical signs without high blood levels. Thyroid and prolactin tests rule out other conditions affecting periods.
Blood sugar and insulin tests check for metabolic problems. Cholesterol tests help identify heart health risks. These comprehensive tests guide a Gynae Doctor in Kolkata in creating appropriate treatment plans.
Ultrasound Scan
A pelvic ultrasound looks at the ovaries. Multiple small fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries, or larger than normal ovaries, suggest PCOS. However, these ultrasound findings must be considered along with symptoms and blood tests, as some women without PCOS can have similar-looking ovaries.
The scan also checks the thickness of the uterine lining, which is especially important for women who haven’t had periods for a long time. Very thick lining may need attention to maintain uterine health.
Treatment Options
Lifestyle Changes
Healthy eating and regular physical activity form the foundation of PCOS management. Even small amounts of weight loss can significantly improve hormone balance, bring back regular periods, and reduce excess hair growth in women who are overweight.
A balanced diet focusing on whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits while avoiding processed foods and excess sugar helps manage PCOS. Reducing refined carbohydrates and sugary foods particularly helps with insulin problems.
Regular exercise, including both cardio activities like walking or swimming and strength training, improves how the body uses insulin. Exercise benefits go beyond weight loss, also improving mood and energy levels. These healthy habits help all women with PCOS, regardless of current weight.
Managing stress through good sleep, relaxation techniques, and emotional support also matters. Chronic stress can worsen hormone imbalances.
Medications
Several types of medicines help manage PCOS symptoms and reduce long-term health problems. Birth control pills help regulate periods, reduce male hormones, and improve excess hair growth and acne. They also protect the uterine lining in women with irregular cycles.
Medicines that help the body use insulin better can restore ovulation, improve period regularity, and support weight management in some women. A Gynaecologist Doctor in Kolkata chooses appropriate medicine based on your symptoms, blood sugar status, and whether you want to become pregnant.
Specific medicines for excess hair growth, combined with other treatments, help reduce unwanted hair over time. Acne treatments, chosen based on severity, address skin problems. Treatment results vary between women, and patience is important as improvements usually take several months.
For women wanting to conceive who don’t ovulate regularly, fertility treatments may be recommended after consulting a Gynaecologist in West Bengal who specializes in helping women get pregnant.
Long-term Health Matters
Blood Sugar and Heart Health
Regular screening for high blood sugar and diabetes helps catch metabolic problems early. Women with PCOS should get periodic blood sugar checks. Catching prediabetes or diabetes early allows quick action.
Monitoring heart health factors including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and waist size helps assess overall cardiovascular health. Managing these risk factors remains important for long-term wellness.
Uterine Health
Long gaps without periods allow the uterine lining to build up excessively. Ensuring regular shedding of this lining, either through natural periods or medicine-induced bleeding, helps protect uterine health. Women going many months without periods should consult a Female Gynaecologist in Kolkata for proper evaluation.
Emotional Well-being
Visible symptoms like excess hair growth, irregular periods, and weight struggles can affect emotional health and confidence. Anxiety and low mood occur more frequently in women with PCOS. Addressing emotional aspects is an important part of complete care.
Support groups, counseling, and mental health resources provide valuable help. Healthcare providers including your Gynaecology Doctor in Kolkata can suggest appropriate resources for emotional support.
Regular Medical Follow-up
Ongoing medical care allows monitoring of symptoms, how well treatments work, and any new problems. Regular visits provide opportunities to check weight, blood pressure, period patterns, and medicine effects.
Periodic blood tests monitor blood sugar and other health markers. How often you need testing depends on your individual situation, which medicines you take, and previous results.
PCOS management often needs long-term commitment and patience. Symptoms may improve greatly with healthy lifestyle changes and appropriate medicine, though they rarely disappear completely. Understanding PCOS as a long-term condition helps set realistic expectations.
Getting Professional Help
Understanding PCOS symptoms, how doctors diagnose it, and available treatments empowers women to take charge of their health. Open communication with a Gynaecologist in Kolkata ensures treatment plans match your symptoms, health goals, and personal preferences. Each woman’s PCOS experience is different, requiring personalized approaches.
Regular medical care, healthy lifestyle habits, and appropriate medicines when needed help manage symptoms and reduce long-term health risks. Seeking timely Consultation with a Gynae Doctor in Kolkata ensures accurate diagnosis and complete care. While PCOS presents ongoing challenges, proper care supports both current well-being and future health.