Top PCOS Specialists in Mumbai: Expert Care for Women's Health

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age, and its effects extend well beyond just irregular periods or weight gain.

Despite how common it is, PCOS is often misunderstood, leaving many women in cities like Mumbai unaware of its causes, symptoms, and possible complications. In this article, we’ll discuss all the essential information regarding PCOS and will focus on how a PCOS specialist in Mumbai helps in controlling the health of the individual.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is an endocrine disorder that alters the normal physiology of the ovaries. The word “polycystic” indicates the presence of many small cysts on the ovary. However, not all women with PCOS have cysts, and this condition commonly leads to absent or infrequent menstrual periods, high levels of androgens, and problems with ovulating.

Why Does PCOS Affect Women?

Women’s metabolism is affected by polycystic ovary syndrome as it disturbs the essential hormonal levels and ovulation – key factors pertaining to the female reproductive system. The disorder is associated with the increased concentration of male hormones (androgens), which disrupt the normal production of the female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This imbalance can cause disruption in the menstrual cycle, infertility and other health problems.

What Causes PCOS?

The precise cause of PCOS is still not identifiable, however, various elements are thought to be contributory:

• Insulin Resistance: Numerous females who present with PCOS demonstrate high insulin levels which could lead to increased ovarian production of androgens, hence worsening the symptoms.
• Hormonal Imbalances: HPO axis dysregulation may compromise the processes of ovulation and hormone secretion.
• Genetics: A positive family history of PCOS may increase the risk of the disease.
• Inflammation: Women suffering from PCOS also tend to have chronic low-grade inflammation which may be conducive to androgen production.

Common Symptoms of PCOS

The symptoms of PCOScan vary widely, but some of the most common include:

• Irregular Menstruation: Missing periods or having prolonged menstruation caused by non ovulatory cycles.
• Hirsutism: Excessive hair growth on face or body, especially in areas, where males usually have hairy growth.
• Acne with Oily Face: Due to raised levels of sex androgens, aggravated forms of acne may develop on the face, chest, and back.
• Obesity: Inability to maintain appropriate weight or unexplained attempts to gain weight, usually around the waist.
• Bald Spots: Loss or thinning of hair growth on the head in areas that are typically male baldness patterns.
• Tiredness and Changes in Emotion: Constant exhaustion and higher chances of developing anxiety or depressive episodes.
• Dull or Dark Skin Patches: Darkening of the skin, particularly on the neck, axilla, or groin regions (acanthosis nigricans).

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

Diagnosing PCOS involves understanding the patients’ medical history, performing a physical examination, and laboratory diagnostic tests. Doctors usually depend on the Rotterdam criteria, which state that out of the following three components, at least two must be present for purposes of diagnosis:

1. Presence of irregular or no ovulation at all.
2. Androgen excess (carried out clinically or through laboratory blood screen tests).
3. Evidence of Polycystic ovarian structure on an ultrasound scan.

Extra tests such as glucose tolerance tests and lipid panels may evaluate additional risks such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.

How Does PCOS Affect Fertility and Pregnancy?

PCOS is among the major factors that contribute to infertility in females. Hormonal irregularities affect the process of ovulation, thus making conception difficult. And even in the case of conception, the occurrence of the condition can lead to complications like:

• Spontaneous Abortion: There are increased rates of loss in the early stages of pregnancy.
• Diabetes in Pregnancy: There is a greater chance of pregnancy-associated sugar levels in excess of normal.
• Preeclampsia: A condition involving increased blood pressure for both the mother and fetus which can be deadly for both.
• Premature Infants: Causing babies to be born prior to thirty-seven weeks of pregnancy.

Nevertheless, after the appropriate intervention, a majority of the women with PCOS are able to get pregnant and have healthy children.

PCOS Treatments

Dealing with PCOS necessitates a range of measures depending on the specific symptoms and the objectives of the affected individual, such as the desire to conceive, weight control or improving one's skin condition.

Non-Surgical Options

1. Lifestyle Modifications:

• Diet: Consumption of a low glycemic index balanced food can assist in controlling insulin levels.
• Exercise: Engaging in physical activity on a consistent basis increases the sensitivity of the body to insulin and helps in controlling excess body weight.

2. Medications:

• Hormonal Birth Control: COnly prevents pregnancy, but regulates the menstrual cycle and suppresses androgen-induced acne and hirsutism.
• Metformin: Helps to increase insulin sensitivity, thus helps to regularize the cycles and also has a weight loss effect.
• Clomiphene (Clomid): A fertility drug that helps women who want to get pregnant ovulate.

3. Supplements:

• Inositol: A compound similar to a vitamin which is effective on insulin resistance and can restore oocyte quality.
• Vitamin D: EThere are high levels of vitamin D deficiency amongst women with PCOS and this vitamin may aid in the regulation of hormones.

Surgical Option

In women who are unresponsive to medical therapy, Ovarian Drilling is a low-risk procedure that may induce temporary decrease in androgen levels and may restore ovulatory function. Nevertheless, it is not recommended in most societies because there are effective non-invasive treatment options available.

Living with PCOS: Long-Term Management

PCOS is a chronic disorder that also goes beyond reproductive health. Women who are diagnosed with PCOS have a higher risk of developing complications even in the long term, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and endometrial cancer. Regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle changes and a supportive environment are essential in controlling the symptoms and avoiding the complicated states of the illness.

Breaking the Stigma Around PCOS

PCOS is often misunderstood, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Open conversations, awareness campaigns, and education can help reduce the stigma and encourage women to seek timely medical care.