PCOS 101: What It Is & How To Manage It

Ever feel like your hormones are on their own unpredictable schedule? You’re not just imagining it; something more might be going on. If you’ve been asking yourself what PCOS is and why it’s causing everything from stubborn weight gain to irregular periods, we totally get you. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide, yet up to 70% of those affected remain undiagnosed, often struggling silently with its symptoms.

In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, common PCOS symptoms, potential long-term effects, and available treatment options. Whether you’re diagnosed with PCOS or just looking for answers, this guide will help you make sense of what’s happening in your body and what you can do about it.

What is PCOS & PCOD?

Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are terms that we often use interchangeably, but they are not quite the same. So, what are PCOD and PCOS, and how do they differ? 

While PCOD is primarily an ovarian issue influenced by lifestyle, PCOS is a more serious endocrine disorder involving hormonal imbalance and metabolic complications. In PCOS, small fluid-filled sacs form in the ovaries and interfere with ovulation. Unlike PCOD, PCOS affects multiple body systems and can lead to more serious health risks such as infertility, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. In India, over 20% of women of reproductive age are affected by PCOS, making it a growing public health concern.

Causes of PCOS

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development. Some of these factors include:

• Genetics: PCOS often has a genetic link, so women with a mother or sister affected by the condition have a higher chance of developing it themselves.

• Insulin resistance: Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which means their bodies do not use insulin effectively. This can lead to elevated insulin levels, which in turn increase androgen (male hormones) production.

• Hormonal imbalance: Increased levels of androgens interfere with the development and release of eggs during ovulation, which is one of the major PCOS causes. 

• Inflammation: Low-grade inflammation can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, contributing further to hormonal imbalance and leading to PCOS. 

Common symptoms of PCOS

PCOS symptoms can vary significantly from one woman to another, but the most common include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles: Infrequent, prolonged, or missed periods are often the first sign.

• Excess hair growth: Also known as hirsutism, excess hair in this condition typically appears on the face, chest, or back.

• Acne and oily skin: Persistent acne, especially around the jawline, is a common symptom of PCOS.

• Weight gain: Many women with PCOS struggle with weight issues, particularly around the abdomen.

• Hair thinning: Scalp hair may become thin or fall out, resembling male-pattern baldness.

• Infertility: PCOS can lead to difficulty conceiving due to irregular or absent ovulation.

• Mood changes: Persistent anxiety, depression, and mood swings are common symptoms experienced by many with PCOS.

• Polygenic and multifactorial nature: PCOS is not caused by a single gene. It is a polygenic condition, with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identifying dozens of genetic loci, each contributing a small effect to the overall risk.

• Role of epigenetic and environmental factors: Risk for PCOS can be shaped by intrauterine exposures and early-life environments, influencing gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.

• Family history as a risk factor: Having a first-degree relative (such as a mother or sister) with PCOS significantly increases the likelihood of developing the condition.

• PCOS in lean women: PCOS is not limited to women who are overweight or obese. Many women with a normal BMI — often referred to as having “lean PCOS” — still experience metabolic complications, particularly in India.

Effects of PCOS on the body

If left untreated, PCOS can lead to several long-term health complications. The following are the effects of PCOS:

• Type 2 diabetes: Insulin resistance in PCOS increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

• Heart disease: Women with PCOS have a higher risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol issues.

• Endometrial cancer: Irregular periods can cause the uterine lining to thicken, which increases the risk of complications. According to studies, women with PCOS are up to five times more likely to develop endometrial cancer compared to those without the condition.

• Sleep apnoea: Sleep apnoea is another effect of PCOS, especially in women who are overweight. It causes interrupted breathing during sleep, often leading to daytime tiredness and poor sleep quality.

• Infertility: One of the effects of PCOS is disrupted ovulation, which can make it significantly harder to conceive naturally and may require medical intervention.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Instead, diagnosis is typically based on the presence of the following three criteria. 

• First: Irregular or absent menstrual periods are among the most common PCOS symptoms. 

• Second: Elevated levels of androgens, either confirmed through a medical test or evident through physical signs such as acne or excessive hair growth (hirsutism). 

• Third: The presence of polycystic ovaries, which can be identified through a medical examination.

Natural remedies for PCOS management

Many women explore natural remedies as part of a holistic approach to managing the effects of PCOS. While these methods should not replace medical treatment, they can work well alongside it to support overall well-being.

• Dietary adjustments: Incorporating low glycaemic index (GI) foods, whole grains, lean proteins, and a variety of vegetables can help regulate insulin levels and reduce the effects of PCOS on metabolism.

• Regular exercise: Engaging in moderate physical activity such as walking, swimming, or yoga can enhance insulin sensitivity, uplift mood, and aid in weight management.

• Stress management: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and ensuring adequate sleep can help balance hormones and reduce the impact of stress, a common trigger for worsening symptoms.

• Avoiding coffee: Caffeine in coffee can stimulate oestrogen production, which may worsen hormonal imbalances. Limiting intake is advisable for women managing the effects of PCOS.

• Avoiding junk and oily foods: Consuming fatty or heavily processed foods can contribute to weight gain and digestive issues, potentially intensifying the effects of PCOS and its associated symptoms.

To summarise

With more sedentary lifestyles and less physical activity, PCOS is becoming an increasingly common health concern worldwide. Factors like stress and poor diet only add to the problem. It’s important to remember that PCOS symptoms vary from woman to woman, influenced by genetics, body type, and hormone levels. If you’re feeling unusually tired, gaining weight unexpectedly, noticing hair thinning, or experiencing irregular periods, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional. A personalised approach is often the most effective way to manage this complex condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects how the ovaries function. It often causes irregular periods, excess androgens, and cysts in the ovaries.

2. What causes PCOS?

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s linked to insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as diet and stress.

3. What are the most common symptoms of PCOS?

PCOS symptoms may include irregular or missed periods, weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), hair thinning, and fertility issues.