Dear Ma'am,
Thank you for your query regarding PCOS. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a clinico-pathological condition with 2 of the 3 following features:
1. Oligo- anovulation characterized by irregular menstrual cycles.
2. Ultrasound evidence of PCOD
3. Clinical or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenemia.
It a chronic metabolic disorder to be viewed similar to
diabetes mellitus or hypertension with limitation of long term sequela seen as the aim treatment.
Long term complications include:
1. Endometrial hyperplasia
2. Endometrial cancer (rare)
3. Subfertility
4. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
If fertility is desired the goal is to ensure regular ovulation by:
1. Life style changes: Diet and exercise and weight loss . Ideal BMI between 19- 23. Even a 5 percent weight loss may regularise your monthly cycles.
2. Treatment of androgenemia if evidence of excess hair etc.
3. Detection and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with preconceptional supplementation of folic acid. ( at least 3 months prior)
4. Ovulation induction after subfertility investigation if a couple fails to conceive spontaneously after 1 trying.
Do note that if cycles are regularised with exogenous hormones like progestrogen pills or oral contraceptive pills, no pregnancy will occur in the absence of ovulation despite menstruation.