PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Symptoms & Treatment

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) causes irregular periods, weight gain, and acne. Learn about its symptoms and treatment options in simple terms | GetWellGo

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Symptoms & Treatment

  • Category

    Gynecology

  • Published By

    GetWellGo Team

  • Updated on

    01-May-2025

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the hormonal disease that impacts women with ovaries during their reproductive years. It is expressed in a myriad of symptoms due to androgen and insulin disturbances.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms

Here are the common symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

  • Infrequent, irregular, or prolonged periods
  • Missed periods or fewer than 9 cycles a year
  • Very light or very heavy flow
  • Hirsutism
  • Acne
  • Male-pattern baldness
  • Ovulatory Dysfunction
  • Polycystic Ovaries
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Insulin resistance or prediabetes/type 2 diabetes
  • Fatigue or low energy levels
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Mood swings
  • Poor self-esteem

PCOS Treatment

Lifestyle Changes (First-line treatment)

  • Especially important for overweight/obese individuals or those with insulin resistance.

Diet

  • Low glycemic index (GI), high-fiber diet
  • Lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains
  • Reduce the intake of sugar, white rice, flour-based products and foods containing processed sugars

Exercise

  • At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days
  • Helps in controlling insulin level and sex hormones as well as lowers calorie intake.

Weight Management

  • In fact, as little as a 5-10% weight loss is thought to help some women with ovulation and menstruation.

Medications

  • For Menstrual Irregularity & Hormonal Balance
  • For Androgen Symptoms
  • For Insulin Resistance
  • For Fertility

Cosmetic Treatments

  • Laser hair removal or electrolysis for hirsutism
  • Acne treatments (topical or oral)

Mental Health Support

  • Psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, or body image 
  • Support groups can help emotionally

Long-term Monitoring

  • Prevalence of a raised blood glucose level (risk to develop diabetes).
  • Cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Blood pressure
  • Endometrial thickness (risk of uterine cancer)

PCOS weight loss

It is quite difficult to lose weight when you are suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome since it is characterised by insulin sensitivity, hormonal imbalances and a slow rate of metabolism but it is not impossible and very rewarding. A simple weight loss of 5–10% would improve the symptoms, fertility, and menstrual cycles.

Focus on Insulin Sensitivity

Many women with PCOS are insulin resistant and this can improve their weight loss.

Eat Low-Glycemic (GI) Foods:

  • Whole grains (quinoa, oats, brown rice)
  • Non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, spinach, bell peppers)
  • Legumes, lentils, and beans
  • Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil)

Balanced Meals for Hormone Support

  • Animal protein in each meal (chicken, fish, tofu, legumes)
  • Healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil, fatty fish)
  • High-fiber carbs (vegetables, fruit, whole grains)

Exercise Regularly

Cardiovascular exercises should be complemented with weight lifting:

  • Cardio: Walking, jogging, cycling (30 min/day)
  • Strength training: 2–3 times/week for metabolism and insulin control
  • HIIT workouts especially fit in fat loss and hormonal regulation.

Manage Stress & Sleep

  • High cortisol levels also leads to the accumulation of belly fat and a person’s insulin resistance is affected.
  • Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep
  • Yoga, meditation or journaling are some of the ways that will help one to overcome stress.

PCOS and Infertility

Polycystic ovary syndrome is among the most common causes of infertility in women. This is because PCOS is associated with hormonal disparity and ovulatory disorder, but women of this group are capable of getting pregnant if properly managed.

How PCOS Affects Fertility:

  • Irregular Ovulation

  • High Levels of Androgens
  • Polycystic Ovaries
  • Insulin Resistance

PCOS Causes

Although the exact cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) remains unknown to this date it’s believed to have multi factorial meaning more than one causative factor is acknowledged to be responsible for the development of the illness. Below is a brief outlook of what is deemed to be the main possible causes of PCOS:

  • Genetic Factors
  • Hormonal Imbalances
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation
  • Obesity and Lifestyle Factors
  • Environmental Factors

PCOS Diagnosis

Medical History:

  • Menstrual history (how often the cycles occurred, how long they lasted and how often they occurred within a year).
  • Family history in general (if mother, sister, or other female relatives have had it)
  • Symptoms (e.g., acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain)
  • Day to day activities include diet, exercise and stress.

Physical Examination:

  • Weight, height and BMI: As mentioned earlier, going by the standards of clinical obesity, obesity is highly prevalent among women with PCOS.
  • Signs of hirsutism: Excessive body or facial hair, especially in a male-pattern distribution (face, chest, abdomen).
  • Other symptoms could also be manifested, such as acne and thinning out of scalp hair.
  • Skin changes like darkening around the neck, groin or armpits can also be noticed by patient that is termed acanthosis nigricans.

Blood Tests:

  • Androgens: Measuring levels of hormone behind the male traits, copying and pasting come testosterone level.
  • Prolactin and estradiol level: A blood test to determine the level of prolactine and estradiol hormone. According to the research conclusion, women with PCOS may have a high level of LH/FSH ratio.
  • Glucose-insulin level: to determine insulin resistance or the prospect of developing diabetes.
  • You will need thyroid function tests to exclude other hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism.

Ultrasound (Transvaginal or Abdominal):

  • Polycystic ovaries are ovaries that contain several small cysts; the procedure’s goal is to detect them.
  • The findings may also include the presence of more than 12 follicles in each ovary and each of these follicles has a size of less than 10mm.

PCOS and Pregnancy

PCOS has an influence on pregnancy in several ways because women with this condition may not always ovulate regularly, they have hormonal imbalances and insulin, and these factors make it difficult for them to conceive. Although, women with PCOS can successfully remain pregnant when they seeking for medical help for proper management.

How PCOS Affects Pregnancy:

  • Ovulatory Dysfunction
  • Hormonal Imbalances
  • Insulin Resistance and Obesity
  • Increased Risk of Miscarriage
  • Higher Risk of Gestational Diabetes
  • Pregnancy Complications

PCOS Hair Loss

Thinning of hair in women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the main symptoms that affect them and this is due to the presence of more androgens than usual such as testosterone. Androgenetic alopecia is one form of hair loss that causes the hair to thin especially at the crown or part line while the rest of the body especially the face or chest may experience an increase in hair growth.

PCOS Acne Treatment

Acne in PCOS is hormonal, particularly testosterone and DHT that leads to overproduction of sebum, pore blockage and inflammation that results in formation of lesions mostly on the jaws, chin, and lower cheeks.

Why Choose GetWellGo for PCOS Treatment?

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

  • Complete transparency
  • Fair costs.
  • 24 hour availability.
  • Medical E-visas
  • Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
  • Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for PCOS treatment.
  • Expert gynaecologist with a strong track record of success
  • Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
  • Language Support
  • Travel and Accommodation Services
  • Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
  • Local SIM Cards
  • Currency Exchange
  • Arranging Patient’s local food

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