Diagnosis and Treatment for PCOS

 

This condition is related to women and affects hormone levels. It has been found that patients with PCOS tend to have higher male hormones and this imbalance may cause skips in regular menstruation.

Though the imbalance will cause excessive hair growth on face and body, it may in some cases even lead to balding. This can be a long-term contributor to heart problems and diabetes.

And since there is no definite way to diagnose PCOS, it’s more likely that the doctor will examine the medical history, irregularities in menstrual periods, weight changes and other signs like excess hair growth and acne.

To diagnose and understand the condition, the doctor may recommend:

• Pelvic examination to root out any abnormal growth. This is done with a physical and visual examination of the uterus and ovaries.
• Blood tests to analyze and measure the hormone levels. It also shows abnormal insulin levels in the body, which is also an indicator of PCOS.
• Transvaginal ultrasound is done with a wand (transducer) that is inserted through the vagina to measure and check the thickness of the lining of the uterus. The wand transmits sound waves that changes into images on a computer screen.
• Screening for anxiety, depression, and sleep apnea.

 

The treatment for PCOS focusses on individual lifestyle concerns like fertility issues, obesity, acne and hirsutism. And to treat these symptoms of PCOS, prescribed medications and lifestyle changes are recommended.

 

The treatment may include:

• Dietary changes combined with moderate exercise activities. It’s often noticed that even an about 5-10% drop in body mass may improve the symptoms of the condition.
• Medications may include a combination of birth control pills that contain estrogen and progestin to decrease the levels of androgen in the body and regulate estrogen. The pills help adjust the levels of the hormone, which in turns lowers the risk of endometrial cancer, regulates menstruation, and reduces excess hair growth and acne.

If the patient is already diagnosed with PCOS, regular medical check-ups are recommended to control insulin level and high blood pressure. This also prevents possible heart conditions and diabetes.