Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovaries

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal problem that can occur during a woman’s reproductive years. With this condition, menstrual periods may not happen very often or last several days. It may even raise the levels of the hormone androgen in your body.

PCOS is marked by the development of small fluid sacs (cysts) along an ovary’s outer edge. They contain immature eggs (follicles) that cannot release eggs regularly. Although the exact cause of the condition isn’t known, early diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovaries can reduce the risk of long-term complications like heart disorders and type 2 diabetes.

Diagnosis

To diagnose PCOS, a gynaecologist in Bangalore would recommend:

• Pelvic examination: It involves checking your pelvic organs for growths, masses or other changes.
• Blood tests: These can primarily help determine the levels of hormones like androgen in your blood. Other required blood tests may include a glucose tolerance test and fasting triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
• Ultrasound: It can help check the thickness of your uterine lining and the appearance of your ovaries.

Treatment

If you’re diagnosed with PCOS, the gynaecologist in Bangalore may recommend any of the following treatment options:

Lifestyle changes

These include moderate exercise activities and a low-calorie diet for weight loss. This may improve the effectiveness of the medications recommended for PCOS which might help with infertility.

Medications

The following medications are often recommended to regulate your menses:

• Combination birth control pills: They contain both progestin and oestrogen to regulate oestrogen levels and reduce androgen production.
• Progestin therapy: Every 1-2 months, taking progestin for 10-14 days can regulate your menstrual periods.

To help you ovulate to improve your chances of pregnancy, the following medications may be recommended:

• Clomiphene: It is an oral anti-oestrogen medicine recommended initially during your menstrual cycle.
• Letrozole (Femara): It’s a form of breast cancer treatment that can also stimulate your ovaries.
• Metformin: It’s an oral treatment for type 2 diabetes that can reduce insulin levels and improve insulin resistance.
• Gonadotropins: These hormone medications are injected into your body.

If these medications are not helpful, ask the best gynaecologist in Delhi whether you should go for in vitro fertilisation (IVF). 

To improve acne or reduce excessive hair growth, the following treatment options might help:

• Birth control pills: They help reduce levels of androgen (associated with acne and excessive hair growth).
• Spironolactone (Aldactone): It checks the effects of androgen on your skin. But since it might cause birth defects, you shouldn’t have this medicine during pregnancy.
• Eflornithine (Vaniqa): It’s a cream which can slow the growth of facial hair.
• Hair removal: Laser hair removal and electrolysis are temporary treatment options to remove excess hair. The first method involves using a concentrated beam of light for unwanted hair removal. In the second method, a tiny needle is inserted into every hair follicle. It emits a pulse of electric current that destroys the follicle. 
• Acne treatments: Medications like topical gels or creams and pills might help improve acne.

The gynaecologist can suggest the ideal treatment plan for PCOS. Once diagnosed with it, don’t delay getting yourself treated.