PCOS Symptoms and Treatment Options in Palasa

Understanding PCOS: symptoms, tests and treatment

Quick answer: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can cause irregular or missed periods, acne, extra facial or body hair, weight gain and difficulty getting pregnant. It is diagnosed by a doctor using your symptoms, an examination, blood tests and often an ultrasound, and it is usually managed with lifestyle changes plus medicines chosen for your symptoms and goals, so a gynaecologist's assessment is the right first step.

Many women and girls in Palasa, Kasibugga and across Srikakulam district live with irregular periods for years, assuming it is normal or something that will settle by itself. Sometimes it does. But irregular cycles, especially together with acne, unwanted hair growth or weight changes, can be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome, usually called PCOS or PCOD in everyday conversation.

PCOS is common, manageable, and nothing to be embarrassed about. This guide explains what PCOS is, the symptoms to watch for, how doctors diagnose it, the treatment options generally available, and the long-term health checks that matter. It is general information only; please consult a gynaecologist for advice specific to you.

What is PCOS?

The World Health Organization describes PCOS as a common hormonal disorder in which higher than normal androgen ("male-type" hormone) levels lead to irregular periods, problems with ovulation, infertility, excess facial or body hair and acne (WHO: Polycystic ovary syndrome fact sheet). WHO estimates that PCOS affects about 10 to 13 percent of women of reproductive age worldwide, and that up to 70 percent of women with PCOS do not know they have it.

In India, a large national study conducted under an ICMR task force and published in JAMA Network Open in 2024 found that PCOS was common among women aged 18 to 40, and that many women with PCOS also had metabolic problems such as abnormal cholesterol levels, obesity or fatty liver (Ganie et al., JAMA Network Open, 2024). The exact figure depends on which diagnostic criteria are used, but the message is clear: PCOS is common, and it affects more than the ovaries.

Despite the name, PCOS is not simply about cysts. The "cysts" seen on ultrasound are usually many small, immature follicles. Some women with PCOS do not have these on scan, and some women who have them do not have PCOS.

Common symptoms of PCOS

Symptoms vary a lot from person to person and may change over time. They can include:

• Irregular periods, such as cycles longer than about 35 days, fewer than eight periods a year, or periods that stop altogether
• Very heavy or prolonged bleeding when periods do come
• Acne that persists beyond the teenage years or is difficult to control
• Excess hair growth on the face, chin, chest, abdomen or back (hirsutism)
• Thinning of scalp hair
• Weight gain, especially around the waist, or difficulty losing weight
• Dark, velvety patches of skin on the neck, armpits or groin (acanthosis nigricans), which can be a sign of insulin resistance
• Difficulty getting pregnant because ovulation is irregular
• Mood changes, anxiety or low mood

Having one or two of these does not mean you have PCOS. Thyroid problems, high prolactin levels, stress, sudden weight change and other conditions can cause similar symptoms, which is why a proper evaluation is important.

What causes PCOS?

The exact cause is not fully understood. It is thought to involve a mix of genetic and hormonal factors. PCOS often runs in families. Insulin resistance, where the body needs to produce more insulin to keep blood sugar normal, plays an important role for many women and can drive higher androgen levels. Lifestyle factors such as inactivity and weight gain do not cause PCOS on their own, but they can make symptoms worse.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

There is no single test for PCOS. A gynaecologist usually makes the diagnosis after:

Taking a detailed history

Expect questions about your periods since they started, weight changes, skin and hair changes, pregnancy plans, medicines and family history of diabetes or PCOS. Keeping a simple record of your period dates for a few months before the visit is very helpful.

Examination

This may include checking your weight, waist measurement and blood pressure, and looking for acne, hair growth or skin changes.

Blood tests

Depending on your situation, the doctor may suggest tests for hormone levels, thyroid function, prolactin, blood sugar and cholesterol. These help confirm PCOS and rule out other causes.

Pelvic ultrasound

An ultrasound can look at the ovaries and the lining of the womb. In young women within a few years of their first period, ultrasound findings are interpreted with caution, because many follicles can be normal at that age.

Doctors commonly use internationally accepted criteria that look for at least two of three features: irregular or absent ovulation, signs of high androgens (clinical or on blood tests), and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, after other causes have been excluded.

Treatment options for PCOS

PCOS cannot always be "cured", but symptoms can usually be well managed. The NHS notes that treatment focuses on the symptoms that matter most to each woman, such as irregular periods, excess hair, acne or fertility (NHS: Polycystic ovary syndrome). Your plan may include:

Lifestyle changes

For women who are overweight, even a modest weight loss can improve cycles and insulin resistance. Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, yoga, cycling or dancing, helps regardless of weight. A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, dals, whole grains and fruit, and fewer sugary drinks, sweets and fried snacks, supports both weight and blood sugar.

Medicines to regulate periods

Your doctor may recommend hormonal treatments to regulate cycles and protect the lining of the womb, which can thicken if periods are infrequent for a long time.

Medicines for insulin resistance

For some women, medicines that improve the body's response to insulin are recommended, particularly if blood sugar is raised.

Treatment for acne and hair growth

Hormonal treatments, anti-androgen medicines, skin treatments and hair-removal methods can help. A gynaecologist and dermatologist may work together on these symptoms.

Fertility support

If you are trying to conceive, the doctor can assess ovulation and discuss medicines that help the ovaries release an egg, along with other steps where needed. Many women with PCOS do become pregnant, sometimes with treatment.

Every medicine has benefits and possible side effects, and the right choice depends on your age, symptoms, health and plans for pregnancy. Please do not start hormone tablets or other medicines without a doctor's advice.

Long-term health and PCOS

PCOS is linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, fatty liver and, if periods are very infrequent over many years, changes in the womb lining. Women with PCOS also have a higher chance of gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

These risks are not a reason to panic. They are a reason for regular check-ups: blood sugar, blood pressure, weight and cholesterol, as advised by your doctor. If you become pregnant, let your antenatal doctor know you have PCOS.

Emotional health matters too. Living with acne, hair changes or fertility worries can be stressful. Talk to your doctor if you feel low or anxious; support is available.

PCOS in teenage girls

Periods are often irregular in the first year or two after they begin. However, a teenager whose periods remain very irregular two to three years after starting, or who has troublesome acne or hair growth, should be seen by a doctor. Parents can help by keeping the conversation open and normal. Early guidance on healthy habits helps lifelong.

When to see a gynaecologist

Consult a gynaecologist if you have:

• Periods that are consistently irregular, very infrequent or have stopped (and you are not pregnant)
• Very heavy, prolonged or painful periods
• Acne, unwanted hair growth or scalp hair thinning that is getting worse
• Difficulty conceiving after trying for a year (or six months if you are over 35)
• Dark velvety skin patches, rapid weight gain, or a family history of diabetes along with any of the above

PCOS care in Palasa and Kasibugga

If you live in Palasa, Kasibugga or nearby towns such as Mandasa, Sompeta, Ichchapuram or Tekkali and recognise some of these symptoms, a calm, private conversation with a gynaecologist is a good first step. You do not need to travel far to start.

Our OBG and Gynaecology department supports women with menstrual, hormonal and pregnancy-related concerns. You may also find our article on the importance of regular gynaecological check-ups helpful. To plan a visit, book an appointment online.

Frequently asked questions

Is PCOS the same as PCOD?

The terms are often used interchangeably in India. Medically, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is the recognised name for the hormonal condition. Your gynaecologist can explain what your own test results show.

Can I get pregnant if I have PCOS?

Yes, many women with PCOS conceive, some naturally and some with treatment to help ovulation. If you are planning a pregnancy, see a gynaecologist early so that your health and cycles can be assessed.

Will losing weight cure PCOS?

Weight loss does not cure PCOS, but for women who are overweight, even a small reduction can improve periods, ovulation and insulin resistance. Regular activity and a balanced diet help, whatever your weight.

Do I need an ultrasound to diagnose PCOS?

Not always. PCOS can be diagnosed using symptoms and blood tests, and an ultrasound is one of the possible criteria. Your doctor will decide which tests are useful for you.

Is PCOS lifelong?

PCOS is generally a long-term condition, though symptoms can change with age, weight and life stage. With regular check-ups and the right care, most women manage it well.

Can teenage girls have PCOS?

Yes, but diagnosis in teenagers needs care because irregular periods are common in the first years after periods begin. A doctor will usually monitor symptoms over time before confirming PCOS.

Contact the hospital

For an obstetrics and gynaecology consultation at Gopala Krishna Kusuma Multispeciality Hospital, 3B, 5c 431/3A, Jayaramachandrapuram road, Kasibugga, Padmanabhapuram colony, Shivaji Nagar, Palasa, Andhra Pradesh 532222, call +91 79008 08790, or visit our contact page for directions and other ways to reach us. In an emergency, call 108 or 112.

Hours: OPD Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 9 PM; emergency services 24 hours.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified doctor about your own health.

Image credit: Vidya pmysore, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; cropped and resized. Representative stock image; it does not show the hospital's patients, staff or premises.