What PCOS is, the symptoms to notice, why it is a metabolic as well as a hormonal condition, how it is diagnosed and when to see a PCOS doctor in Mumbai.
PCOS hai… aur festive season bhi? If you have irregular periods, stubborn acne or weight that won't shift, you may have wondered about PCOS. This guide explains what PCOS is, the symptoms to notice, why it is as much a metabolic condition as a hormonal one, how it is diagnosed, and when it is time to see a PCOS doctor in Mumbai. It also covers how to get through a festive season with PCOS without going to extremes.
PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome. It is a common hormonal and metabolic condition in women of reproductive age. The name can mislead: it does not mean you have dangerous cysts. In PCOS the ovaries may contain many small fluid-filled follicles, but the condition is really about how hormones, insulin and the menstrual cycle work together.
The exact cause is not fully understood. Genes, hormones and insulin resistance all seem to play a part. PCOS is a long-term condition, and it looks different in different women, so two people with PCOS can have very different symptoms.
Not everyone has all of these, and many of them can have other causes. A doctor looks at the whole pattern:
Many women with PCOS have some degree of insulin resistance, which means the body needs more insulin to keep blood sugar steady. Over time, this can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, changes in cholesterol, fatty liver and sleep apnoea in some women. That is why PCOS care is not only about periods or skin. It also means looking at blood sugar, weight, blood pressure and cholesterol.
It also explains why the advice to simply eat less and move more often disappoints women with PCOS. You can read more in our article on why calorie-counting advice often fails in PCOS and metabolic weight gain.
There is no single test for PCOS. A doctor usually takes a detailed history of your periods and symptoms, examines you, and may order blood tests for hormones, blood sugar and other conditions such as thyroid problems that can look similar. An ultrasound of the ovaries is sometimes used. Doctors commonly look for a combination of irregular ovulation, signs of excess androgens and, in some cases, the appearance of the ovaries, after other causes have been ruled out.
Irregular periods are also common in the first few years after a girl's periods begin, so a doctor assesses teenagers carefully. Please don't self-diagnose from symptoms or from social media.
PCOS is managed, not ignored, and the plan is different for each woman. Depending on your symptoms and goals, it may include a healthy eating pattern and regular activity, better sleep, medicines chosen by your doctor for periods, skin, hair or insulin resistance, help with fertility if you want to conceive, and regular check-ups of sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. Be cautious about anyone promising to cure PCOS. Start any medicine or supplement only after speaking to your doctor.
You can read more about our approach on our PCOS management page.
Navratri brings late nights, fried food, sweets and changes to your routine. A few general ideas can help:
Consider booking a consultation if you notice any of the following:
Seek medical help immediately if you have very heavy bleeding that soaks through pads quickly, severe pelvic pain, or feel faint or unwell.
Apni bhi suno. If you are in Ghatkopar East or nearby, you can book a consultation online or call 081043 74386.
Disclaimer: This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your doctor about your own symptoms and health, and do not start, stop or change any medicine without medical advice.
