How to Detect Early Signs and Symptoms of PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Disease, is a common hormonal disorder that is found in every tenth women in India. Red signals that can help identify PCOS early on and seek medical consultation well within time: • Irregular menstrual cycle, delayed cycles, scanty periods – when the periods occur earlier than 21 days or later than 35 days in adults and 45 days in young teens • Obesity is another warning sign as nearly 40–80 per cent of women with this condition are overweight. Inability to loose weight • Difficulty in conceiving • Acne and hair growth on the body particularly facial hair due to high levels of male hormones • Loss and thinning of hair on the scalp • Type 2 diabetes, a condition that causes higher than normal levels of blood sugar in the body • High blood pressure and high cholesterol • Mood swings, depression, lack of self-confidence, and anxiety Diagnosing PCOS There is no definite test to diagnose PCOS. While the disorder can be treated medically, it is suggested and encouraged to undertake some simple lifestyle measures that can help protect against it naturally or organically: • Following a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle by consuming a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical exercise is one of the best ways to prevent or manage PCOS. Increasing your daily activity may treat or even prevent insulin resistance and help keep your weight under control • A good 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep daily, is also an important factor that helps in managing PCOS • Stress has become a part of our lives, but trying to reduce stress and giving yourself time to indulge in something that you enjoy doing is required to heal PCOS, FICMCH, FMAS, CK Birla Hospital)