From Acne to Infertility: The Hidden Impact of PCOS on Women’s Health

Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age, with an estimated 5% to 10% of women worldwide experiencing its effects and 1 in 5 women in India suffering from PCOS. . From irregular menstrual cycles to infertility, PCOS can significantly impact a woman’s ability to conceive but it does not make conceiving impossible.

With proper management, including lifestyle changes, medication, and fertility treatments, many women with PCOS are able to successfully become pregnant. Regular screening and early intervention are important to understand the condition and managing it effectively can empower women with effective strategies to achieve their fertility goals.

What is PCOS?

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Monica Kumbhat of Newberg Diagnostics replied, “PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that affects ovarian function. Women with PCOS may have excess androgens and insulin resistance, which can lead to the formation of small cysts on the ovaries. This imbalance disrupts the normal menstrual cycle, leading to reduced or absent ovulation in many cases. Because ovulation is important for conception, this disruption is the primary reason why PCOS is closely linked to infertility.

Symptoms of PCOS:

• period irregularities
• heavy bleeding
• excessive hair growth
• acne
• Headache
• darkening of skin

Diagnosis of PCOS and its impact on fertility

Dr Monica Kumbhat shares, “PCOS is usually diagnosed through a combination of medical history, blood tests and ultrasound. A common clinical blood test to measure hormone levels, glucose and insulin levels, and cholesterol and lipid profiles. For women trying to conceive, a doctor may also assess ovulation patterns and ovarian reserve (the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs).

How does PCOS affect fertility?

• Irregular or absent ovulation: In a normal menstrual cycle, a woman releases an egg from her ovaries once a month. In women suffering from PCOS, hormonal imbalance often prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg. The absence or delay of ovulation makes it difficult to conceive.
• hormonal imbalance: Elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone in women with PCOS can affect ovulation and cause symptoms such as acne, excessive hair growth and weight gain. These hormonal changes can disrupt the delicate balance needed for normal ovarian function.

• insulin resistance: Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which means their body’s cells do not respond well to insulin. This can increase insulin levels in the blood, which may contribute to increased androgen production and further disrupt ovulation. Insulin resistance is also linked to obesity, another factor that can affect fertility.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.