Introduction

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects nearly 1 in 5 women in India — yet remains widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed. From irregular periods to hair loss, its symptoms overlap with many other conditions.

A Gynecologist in Mumbai can accurately diagnose PCOS and help you manage it effectively — whether you're planning a family or simply seeking hormonal balance.

 

What Is PCOS?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal disorder characterised by elevated androgens (male hormones), irregular or absent ovulation, and often polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. It affects reproductive, metabolic, and psychological health.

PCOS is a lifelong condition — but with the right treatment, its symptoms can be effectively controlled.

 

Causes & Risk Factors

PCOS has multiple contributing factors:

• Insulin resistance — the key metabolic driver in most PCOS cases
• Elevated androgens (testosterone) — causes acne, hair growth, and irregular cycles
• Genetic predisposition — runs in families
• Obesity — worsens insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance
• Sedentary lifestyle and high-sugar diet — environmental triggers
• Thyroid dysfunction — can mimic or worsen PCOS
• Chronic stress — disrupts the HPO (hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian) axis

 

PCOS Symptoms Every Woman Should Know

PCOS presents differently in each woman. Common signs include:

• Irregular or missed periods — cycles longer than 35 days
• Excessive facial or body hair (hirsutism) — upper lip, chin, chest, abdomen
• Acne — especially jawline, chin, and back — persisting beyond teenage years
• Hair thinning or male-pattern baldness at the crown
• Unexplained weight gain — especially around the abdomen
• Difficulty conceiving — due to irregular or absent ovulation
• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
• Skin darkening (acanthosis nigricans) — around neck, armpits, groin

 

When To Consult A Gynecologist?

See a Women's Health Specialist in Mumbai if:

• Your periods are irregular, very heavy, or absent
• You have been trying to conceive for 6–12 months without success
• You notice sudden facial hair growth or hair loss
• Blood tests show elevated testosterone or blood sugar
• You have a family history of PCOS or diabetes
• Persistent acne does not respond to standard skin treatments

 

Diagnosis

PCOS is diagnosed using the Rotterdam Criteria (2 out of 3 must be present). At Bhatia Hospital:

• Ultrasound Pelvis (TVS/Transabdominal) — presence of 12+ follicles in each ovary or increased ovarian volume
• Serum LH and FSH — elevated LH:FSH ratio (> 2:1) is characteristic
• Total and Free Testosterone — to confirm hyperandrogenism
• DHEA-S, 17-OH Progesterone — to rule out adrenal causes of androgen excess
• Fasting Insulin and HOMA-IR — to quantify insulin resistance
• FBS, PPBS, HbA1c — diabetes and pre-diabetes screening
• Thyroid Profile (TSH) — hypothyroidism coexists in many PCOS patients
• Prolactin — to rule out hyperprolactinaemia as cause of irregular cycles
• Lipid Profile — metabolic risk assessment

PCOS Feature	What It Means
Irregular periods (Oligo/Anovulation)	Infrequent or no ovulation
Hyperandrogenism (clinical/biochemical)	Excess male hormones
Polycystic ovaries on USG	Multiple small follicles

 

Treatment

PCOS management is customised based on the patient's primary concern — fertility, menstrual regularity, or cosmetic symptoms:

Lifestyle Modifications (For All Patients)

• Weight loss of 5–10% in overweight patients — restores ovulation in many cases
• Low Glycaemic Index (Low-GI) diet — reduces insulin resistance
• 150+ minutes/week of aerobic exercise — walking, cycling, swimming
• Stress management — yoga, mindfulness, adequate sleep

Medical Management

• Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) — regulate cycles and reduce androgen levels
• Metformin — improves insulin sensitivity; first-line for PCOS with diabetes
• Anti-androgens (Spironolactone, Flutamide) — for hirsutism and acne
• Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole — ovulation induction for fertility
• Progesterone supplementation — to induce withdrawal bleeds and protect the uterus

For Fertility (Assisted Reproduction)

• IUI (Intra-Uterine Insemination) — with ovulation induction if needed
• IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation) — for refractory cases
• Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling (LOD) — surgical option for Clomiphene-resistant PCOS

Cosmetic Management

• Laser hair reduction — for hirsutism
• Topical treatments (Clindamycin, Adapalene) — for PCOS-related acne
• Dermatology co-management — for skin darkening and hair loss

 

Prevention & Long-Term Management

PCOS cannot be 'cured' but its long-term risks can be managed:

• Monitor blood sugar and cholesterol annually — PCOS increases Type 2 diabetes and heart disease risk
• Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
• Annual endometrial health check — irregular cycles increase endometrial cancer risk
• Mental health support — PCOS doubles the risk of anxiety and depression
• Regular gynaecology follow-up every 6–12 months

 

Why Choose Bhatia Hospital?

Bhatia Hospital's Gynaecology department in South Mumbai provides holistic PCOS treatment — from diagnosis to fertility support — under one roof, with India's most experienced women's health specialists.

• Expert Gynaecologists and Reproductive Endocrinologists
• Comprehensive hormonal testing and pelvic ultrasound on-site
• Integrated dietitian, endocrinologist, and dermatologist support
• Patient-centred, non-judgemental care for women at every stage

 Concerned about PCOS? Book a consultation with Bhatia Hospital's Women's Health Specialist today.

FAQs

Q1. What are the most common PCOS symptoms?

Irregular periods, excess facial/body hair, acne, weight gain, and difficulty conceiving are the most frequently reported symptoms.

Q2. Can PCOS be cured permanently?

PCOS cannot be permanently cured, but symptoms and long-term risks can be well-controlled with lifestyle changes and appropriate treatment.

Q3. Does PCOS affect fertility?

PCOS is a leading cause of infertility due to irregular ovulation, but most women with PCOS can conceive with appropriate medical support.

Q4. When should I consult a gynecologist for PCOS?

Consult a specialist if you have irregular periods, unexplained hair growth, persistent acne, or difficulty conceiving for more than 6 months.

Q5. Is PCOS linked to diabetes?

Yes — PCOS significantly increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome due to underlying insulin resistance.