Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder in women, yet it is one of the most underdiagnosed diseases. It adversely affects women at varying life stages, but unfortunately, half of the women with PCOS are unaware and ignorant about it. As it is a complex and multifaceted condition, it impacts women’s health and well-being in a multitude of ways. Therefore, it is imperative to create awareness and emphasize prevention strategies.

1. PCOS- It’s Awareness and Prevention
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder in women, yet it
is one of the most underdiagnosed diseases. It adversely affects women at varying life
stages, but unfortunately, half of the women with PCOS are unaware and ignorant about
it. As it is a complex and multifaceted condition, it impacts women’s health and
well-being in a multitude of ways. Therefore, it is imperative to create awareness and
emphasize prevention strategies.
Considering the steep rise in PCOS in women between the ages of 12 to 45, Tech
Mahindra Foundation took the initiative to create awareness about PCOS through a
webinar. The objective of this webinar was to educate everyone, especially girls, women
and paramedics, about the symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of
Polycystic Ovarian Disease. I was delighted to disseminate information about the
disease and share my knowledge with aspiring paramedics pursuing the courses at

2. Tech Mahindra SMART Academies. This article looks at key information on causes,
symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of PCOS shared during the webinar.
Why is Awareness About PCOS Important?
PCOS affects a women’s hormones, and this hormonal imbalance causes a woman’s
body to skip menstrual periods resulting in excessive hair growth and androgen levels.
This condition also makes it harder for women to conceive. The delay in diagnosis of
PCOS can lead to the progression of comorbidities. So, being aware of the causes and
symptoms of PCOS can help a woman get early treatment and prevent further health
complications, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, infertility, etc.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is an endocrine system
disorder common among women of reproductive age. It is characterized by
overproduction of androgen (male hormone), abnormality in menstrual cycles, or the
presence of small cysts in ovaries. Ovulation happens when the ovaries release the egg
so that the sperm can fertilize it. In the case of PCOS, the woman does not make
enough hormones necessary for ovulation. The lack of ovulation results in cyst
formation. The cysts produce high levels of male hormones, which hinder a woman’s
menstrual cycle and account for the multiple symptoms of PCOS. Although the exact
reason for PCOS is unknown, early diagnosis and treatment and weight loss may
reduce the risk of multiple morbidities associated with PCOS.
Its Signs and Symptoms
The preliminary signs and symptoms of PCOS usually develop around the first
menstrual period during puberty. However, it may also develop later as a result of
weight gain. The signs and symptoms of PCOS vary. The signs and symptoms can be
typically more severe if the patient is obese. PCOS is typically diagnosed when at least
two of the following signs are present in the patient:
● Irregular Menstrual Cycle (Periods): A common sign of PCOS is an
infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual cycle. For example, having
fewer than nine periods a year, or more than 35 days between periods, or
abnormally heavy periods are considered irregular periods.
● Excess Androgen: Increased levels of male hormones (androgens) may
result in physical signs such as hirsutism (excessive facial and body hair)
and occasionally male-pattern baldness and severe acne.

3. ● Polycystic Ovaries: The ovaries might increase in size and contain
follicles that surround the eggs. These follicles do not open and form small
cysts. Hence, the ovaries might fail to function regularly.
Its Causes
The exact causes of PCOS are still unknown. However, it is related to genetics,
environmental, and lifestyle factors. It is believed that high levels of androgens prevent
the ovaries from producing hormones and making eggs normally. The factors causing
PCOS are as follows:
● Excessive Insulin
Insulin is the hormone that is produced in the pancreas that lets cells use sugar from
foods. If these cells become resistant to the action of insulin, then the blood sugar levels
can rise, and the pancreas might produce more insulin. The excess insulin triggers the
ovaries to produce more androgens, causing difficulty with ovulation.
● Low-Grade Inflammation
This term describes white blood cells’ production of substances to fight infection.
Research suggests that women suffering from PCOS have low-grade inflammation that
stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens, which leads to cardiovascular and
blood vessel problems.
● Heredity
Research suggests that specific genes might be linked to PCOS. It may run in families,
and it is common for a mother and daughter or sisters to have PCOS. Additionally,
women with a family history of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or Type 2 Diabetes are more
prone to develop PCOS.
● Excessive Androgen

4. The ovaries produce elevated androgen levels, resulting in physical signs like hirsutism,
male pattern baldness, and acne.
Complications
Women with PCOS may develop considerable complications. Some of these are as
follows:

5. Diagnosis

6. There is no specific test for diagnosing PCOS. The doctor will begin with discussing
your medical history, including patient’s menstrual periods and weight changes.
Moreover, a doctor may recommend a physical examination to check for signs of
excess hair growth, acne and insulin resistance.
A physician might recommend:
● Pelvic Exam: In it, the doctor checks the uterus. This examination would
confirm your reproductive organs’ health. It also inspects the uterus for
masses, growth, or other abnormalities.
● Blood Tests: Blood tests are performed to measure hormone levels. This
testing excludes possible causes of menstrual irregularities or excessive
androgen levels that mimic PCOS. Your doctor may have your
triglycerides, 25-hydroxy Vit D3, FSH, serum luteinising hormone,
testosterone, estradiol, 17-OH progesterone, TSH, and serum prolactin
checked.
● Ultrasound: Transvaginal ultrasound is done to check the size and
appearance of your ovaries and the thickness of the uterus lining.
The doctor might recommend additional tests for complications after being diagnosed
with PCOS. These tests include:
● Regular checks of blood pressure, glucose tolerance, and cholesterol and
triglyceride levels.
● Screening for obstructive sleep apnea.
● Screening for depression and anxiety.
Treatment
Treatment of PCOS is individualized to cure prevailing symptoms and is focused on
correcting irregular bleeding, infertility, hirsutism, acne and preventing diabetes and
cardiovascular diseases. The specific treatment of PCOS might involve lifestyle
changes and relevant medication.
● Lifestyle Changes

7. The doctor will recommend weight loss as it increases the effectiveness of the
medication. Switching to a low-calorie diet along with moderate exercise will help in
significantly improving the symptoms related to PCOS. To begin with, your doctor will
recommend you to lose 5% of your body weight.
● Medication
The medications also vary according to the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. A
combination of birth control pills and progestin therapy can help regulate the menstrual
cycle. There are many medications that a doctor may recommend to help a woman with
PCOS ovulate.
The physician might also prescribe birth control pills, creams, or electrolysis to reduce
hair growth.
● Home Remedies
PCOS is completely controllable with diet and exercise. To help decrease the effects of
PCOS, you should try to
1. Maintain a healthy weight because weight loss can decrease insulin and
androgen levels and may restore ovulation.
2. Increase daily activity and exercise regularly as it may treat or even
prevent insulin resistance. It also aids in keeping weight under control and
preventing the development of diabetes. Moreover, regular exercise
lowers blood sugar levels.
3. Maintain overall menstrual hygiene. It is imperative as lack of menstrual
hygiene can have a cascading effect on overall sexual and reproductive
health. Lack of menstrual hygiene can pose serious health risks, such as
reproductive and urinary tract infections resulting in birth complications
and future infertility.
Diet to Treat PCOS
Women suffering from PCOS are encouraged to follow a low-fat and low-carbohydrate
diet. Such a diet prevents a sudden increase in blood sugar levels and helps keep your

8. weight under control. Girls and women must consume a protein-rich diet and food with a
low glycemic index.
Foods to Eat Foods to Avoid
Natural and unprocessed foods. Foods rich in carbohydrates
Foods high in fibre
Fruits like watermelon and
grapes
Nuts and legumes
Foods with high glycemic
index
Whole grains Sweets
Fish, meat, and eggs Junk food
Broccoli and cauliflower Bakery products
Spinach, kale, and other leafy vegetables, fruits and
low-fat dairy
Refined flour
When to See a Healthcare Professional
If you experience any or some of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, you must
consult your doctor. While the symptoms listed above may or may not mean you have it
yet it is important to get yourself examined as early detection and treatment help
manage PCOS.
Final Words

9. PCOS is a serious medical condition and is highly prevalent. Therefore, adolescent girls
and women should consult a gynecologist in case of irregular menstrual cycles to know
the exact reason behind it. Delays in the detection and treatment of PCOS can put
people at higher risk of infertility, heart diseases, hypertension, endometrial cancer, and
diabetes. Since it is a hormonal disease, one should avoid self-medication and consult a
doctor for timely and correct treatment. In addition, all sections of the population must
make efforts, especially healthcare providers to creating awareness about its symptoms
as well as early treatment. Tech Mahindra SMART Academies for Healthcare are
committed to such causes and is spreading awareness about menstrual hygiene as a
part of its community health initiatives. It provides a forum to girls and women for
discussing menstrual disorders. The government must encourage such initiatives to
create awareness among females about PCOS to support them better and take control
of their health and well-being.
Source: https://www.smart-academy.in/blog/pcos-its-awareness-and-prevention/