PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries, which are the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs. Approximately 10% of women who are of childbearing age are affected, including those who were designated female at birth. It is among the most typical reasons for infertility.

The condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance brought on by an overabundance of hormones produced by the ovaries, the organ that produces and releases eggs. If you have PCOS, your ovaries generate an abnormally high amount of androgens or male hormones. As a result, your reproductive hormones become imbalanced. Consequently, irregular menstrual cycles, missing periods, and uncertain ovulation are common in PCOS patients. Anovulation, or the absence of ovulation, can cause small follicular cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs containing immature eggs, to appear on your ovaries during ultrasonography. Nevertheless, despite the term "polycystic," PCOS is not always associated with ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts don't hurt or pose a threat.

The condition develops after puberty, but a diagnosis cannot come until you're attempting to conceive. The symptoms normally improve after menopause, although they never completely disappear. A variety of treatments can help you conceive or manage your symptoms with time.

Symptoms of PCOS:

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a collection of symptoms rather than an illness. Individual differences may exist in these symptoms. However, missing, irregular, infrequent, or excessively extended periods are the most typical indications of PCOS.

• Unusual hair growth: You can have a lot of facial hair or hirsutism, or excessive hair growth on your arms, chest, and belly. This impacts as many as 70% of PCOS patients.

• Period irregularities: Missing periods or not getting a period at all are signs of abnormal menstruation. It could also result in severe menstrual bleeding.

• Acne: Particularly on the face, back, and chest, PCOS can result in acne. Acne can persist well into adolescence and can be challenging to cure.

• Obesity: Between 40 and 80% of PCOS patients are obese and struggle to maintain a healthy weight.

• Skin darkening: You may develop black spots on your skin, particularly around your breasts, in the groin (the area between your legs), under your neck folds, and in your armpits. We call this acanthosis nigricans.

• Cysts: On ultrasound, the ovaries of many PCOS patients seem bigger or to have numerous follicles (egg sac cysts).

• Skin tags: Skin tags are tiny, additional skin flaps. They are frequently discovered on your neck or in your armpits.

• Hair loss: Individuals with PCOS may experience hair loss in certain areas of their heads or even go bald.

• Infertility: The most frequent cause of infertility in AFAB individuals is PCOS. The inability to conceive may be caused by irregular or infrequent ovulation.

• Excessive weight. PCOS and weight have a complicated relationship. The illness develops in part as a result of weight gain. However, PCOS can also be a factor in weight gain.

• Elevated androgen levels. The majority of PCOS patients have this hyperandrogenism problem.

• Insulin resistance. The ability of your ovaries to release eggs (ovulate) may be impacted by excess insulin. It may also make weight gain simpler and weight loss more difficult.

• Low-grade persistent inflammation. This adds to your body's excess androgen production as well.

Treatment for PCOS:

PCOS treatment is influenced by several factors. These could include your general health, the severity of your symptoms, and your age. Whether you intend to become pregnant in the future may also have an impact on the kind of treatment you receive.

If you intend to become pregnant, your care can consist of:

• A shift in exercise and nutrition. You can decrease your symptoms and weight by following a nutritious diet and increasing your physical activity. They may also facilitate ovulation and help your body use insulin more effectively. Additionally, they can reduce blood glucose levels.

• Drugs that stimulate ovulation. Drugs can assist in the ovaries' regular discharge of eggs. These drugs come with certain hazards as well. They may make multiple births (twins or more) more likely.

If you don't intend to get pregnant, some possible treatments for you could be:

• Birth control tablets. These aid in regulating menstrual periods, lowering testosterone levels, and lessening acne.

• Diabetes medicine. In PCOS, this is frequently used to reduce insulin resistance. It might also aid in lowering testosterone levels, slowing down hair growth, and promoting more regular ovulation.

• Medications to treat other symptoms. Some medicines can lessen acne or hair growth.

While counselling is not a standalone treatment for PCOS, it plays a valuable role in supporting individuals with PCOS by addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of the condition. Integrating the guidance of the best psychologists in India into a comprehensive treatment plan can improve overall well-being and quality of life for individuals living with PCOS.

Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach &  Ms. Samta Pareek, Counselling Psychologist