© 2025 RIOMED LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | WWW.RIOMED.COM
ISO 9001 | ISO 14001 | ISO 27001 | Cyber Essentials
Help Others Discover – Click to Share!
Elsa, in her mid-20s, began noticing troubling changes in her body. She started struggling with irregular periods, severe acne, sudden weight gain and an increase in facial hair. Despite healthy diet habits and regular exercise routines, the troubling changes continued. After consulting with a specialist, she found out that she was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Like Elsa, millions of women around the globe have PCOS, in which they face troubling changes in their bodies and challenges in their lives. PCOS is a common but misunderstood hormonal disorder.
In this blog, we will look into what PCOS is, its symptoms, diagnostic criteria, causes, management options, impact on fertility, and associated health risks.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a problem with hormones that happens during the reproductive years. In PCOS, there is a hormonal imbalance that occurs when the ovaries (the organ that produces and releases eggs) create extra hormones. The ovaries produce unusually high levels of hormones called androgens. This causes the reproductive hormones to become imbalanced. As a result, PCOS leads to irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods and unpredictable ovulation.
PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). It can also increase the risk of other health conditions. PCOS is a condition characterised by hormonal imbalances and metabolism problems, which can affect a woman’s overall health and appearance.
According to WHO, polycystic ovary syndrome affects an estimated 8–13% of reproductive-aged women.
Irregular periods: Abnormal menstruation involves missing periods or not having a period at all. One might also have heavy bleeding during periods.
Acne: PCOS can cause acne on your back, chest and face. This acne may continue past your teenage years and may be difficult to treat.
Abnormal hair growth: You may grow excess facial hair or experience heavy hair growth on your arms, chest and abdomen (hirsutism). This affects up to 70% of people with PCOS.
Darkening of the skin: You may get dark skin patches, especially in the folds of your neck, armpits, groin (between the legs) and under your breasts. This is known as acanthosis nigricans.
Skin tags: Skin tags are little flaps of extra skin and are often found in the armpits or on the neck.
Thinning hair: People with PCOS might lose patches of hair on their head or might even start to bald.
Obesity: People with PCOS might have obesity and have trouble maintaining a weight that’s healthy for them.
Infertility: PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in people AFAB. Not ovulating regularly or frequently can result in not being able to conceive.
How is it diagnosed?
The healthcare provider will:
The Rotterdam Criteria: Diagnosing PCOS:
To diagnose PCOS, healthcare professionals often use the Rotterdam criteria. According to these criteria, a diagnosis is made if a woman has at least two of the following three main symptoms:
Irregular or absent ovulation: Indicated by irregular menstrual cycles or anovulation (lack of ovulation).
Hyperandrogenism: Clinically or biochemically elevated levels of androgens, leading to symptoms like hirsutism, acne, or alopecia.
Polycystic ovaries: Detected by ultrasound, showing 12 or more follicles in each ovary measuring 2–9 mm in diameter and increased ovarian volume (>10 ml).
What is the main cause of PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown. But there’s evidence that genetics play a huge role. Several other factors, most importantly obesity, also play a role in causing PCOS:
PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. The hormonal imbalances and irregular ovulation associated with PCOS make it difficult to conceive. Yet, many women with PCOS can become pregnant with the help of healthcare professionals.
Treatments such as ovulation induction medications, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, ART i.e. assisted reproductive technology used to treat infertility, can significantly improve the chances of pregnancy. Working closely with a fertility specialist can help tailor the most appropriate treatment plan.
Women with PCOS are at an increased risk for several other health conditions, including:
Type 2 diabetes: Due to insulin resistance.
Heart disease: Elevated insulin levels can contribute to cardiovascular risk factors.
Sleep apnea: Obesity, common in women with PCOS, increases the risk of sleep apnea.
Endometrial cancer: Prolonged absence of menstruation increases the risk of endometrial cancer.
Depression and anxiety: Hormonal imbalances and the symptoms of PCOS can contribute to mental health issues.
Don’t hesitate to seek help
Understanding PCOS is very important for managing and reducing its associated risks. If you suspect you might have PCOS, consult a healthcare professional, as it’s essential to get an accurate diagnosis and effective management. This will significantly improve the quality of life and help manage potential long-term health risks.
By adopting healthy lifestyle habits and utilising medical treatments, women with PCOS can lead healthy, happy, fulfilling lives and improve their chances of conception.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information is strictly for informative purposes. It is not intended to be used in lieu of professional medical advice, inclusive of diagnosis or treatment. It is strongly advised that you seek a doctor’s medical advice on any treatment or medical condition that you learn about.
Recent Blogs
Women and people with AFAB can get PCOS at any time after puberty. Most people are diagnosed in their 20s or 30s when they’re trying to get pregnant. You may have a higher chance of getting PCOS if you are obese or if other people in your biological family have PCOS.
PCOS is common — according to WHO, polycystic ovary syndrome affects an estimated 8–13% of reproductive-aged women and people AFAB of reproductive age have PCOS.
Yes, it’s possible to have PCOS and not have any symptoms. Many people don’t even realise they have the condition until they have trouble getting pregnant or are gaining weight for unknown reasons. It’s also possible to have mild PCOS, where the symptoms aren’t severe enough for you to notice.
While there isn’t a cure for PCOS currently, your healthcare professional can help you manage your symptoms. The effects of PCOS may change over time so that you become less aware of the condition. However, there isn’t a treatment that permanently cures it.
Never Miss an Important Update!!!
Enter your email address to receive periodic updates about RioMed’s events and initiatives.
© 2025 RIOMED LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | WWW.RIOMED.COM
ISO 9001 | ISO 14001 | ISO 27001 | Cyber Essentials