PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome): What Every Woman Needs to Know

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders, affecting about 10% to 15% of women in their reproductive age group. That means it is technically affecting approximately one in every 10 women. The incidence of this and the urban population of India are going to be much higher.

As a gynecologist, I see countless young women in our Shree IVF Clinic worried about irregular periods, sudden weight gain, acne, or fertility struggles—and more often than not, PCOS is the reason behind it.

The exact cause for PCOS is not known; it is suspected that it is something that is predominantly related to the environmental factors, as well as the pollutants and the volatile organic compounds that are present in the Indian microenvironment.

Through a complex series of mechanisms, all these products end up affecting the hormones of the female reproductive tract in such a manner that there is an uncontrollable spiral of the disease that is set up, which ultimately gives rise to the formation and development of PCOS in women in the reproductive age group.

Of all the things that we need to understand, there are certain important things that we probably need to understand from that theoretical perspective that happens in the body.

The Root of the Issue: Hormonal Imbalance

PCOS is not just about cysts on the ovaries. It’s a hormonal condition that disrupts how a woman’s ovaries work. Here are some key mechanisms explained below.

What Happens Inside the Body?

Insulin Resistance: The Silent Trigger

Insulin is a very important hormone that is secreted in the body from the pancreas, typically in order to regulate the metabolism of glucose in the body.

A variety of factors lead to something called insulin resistance in women who have PCOS. As a result of this, it causes some amount of imbalance in the microenvironment of the ovary, thereby causing the ovary to produce a lot more androgen. 

Because of the excessive secretion of androgens from the ovaries, the normal development of follicles is disrupted. As a result, multiple follicles begin to grow but do not mature fully, leading to the classic appearance of multiple immature follicles often seen in women with PCOS.

This is also one of the most important reasons that these girls ended up having a very high AMH, which is more common in women who have thin PCOS.

High androgen levels disrupt the natural menstrual cycle and follicle maturation. That’s why women with PCOS often have multiple immature follicles and high AMH levels. This is particularly common in women with what’s called “lean PCOS” (those who aren’t overweight).

Due to this mechanism of action, there is a very important role for drugs like metformin in women who have PCOS. Metformin improves insulin sensitivity, helping balance hormones and restore ovulation.

Androgen Excess: Why It Matters?

The excessive production of androgens in the female ovary—apart from insulin resistance—can also be triggered by various microenvironmental factors, which together contribute to the development of PCOS.

This is also one of the reasons why women who have various syndromes also have associated autism and also have other soft markers of hyperism in the body, especially as skin pigmentation and abnormal hair growth. 

As a result of this, a lot of the patients who are suffering from PCOS would also be required to take hormonal combinations, which include anti-androgen tablets; this includes oral contraceptive pills to bring these hormone levels back in balance.

Obesity: Not a Cause but a Catalyst

Though obesity can be considered as one of the causes for having irregular cycles and all the other symptoms that occur in a patient with PCOS, it should not be considered as a direct cost for a lady having PCOS, but excessive obesity can also trigger the same amount of hormonal disturbances that otherwise occur in a patient having PCOS.

As a result of this, weight loss management of the diet, nutritional counselling, and exercise play a very important role in the long-term symptomatic management of these patients.

 A simple solution of losing just 10% of your body weight can reset your hormonal balance and improve symptoms.

That’s why diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes are always the first step in PCOS treatment.

Genetic Causes – The Family Link

Do not completely understand and thoroughly investigate. It is to be believed that genetic causes are also known causes for having PCOS and other symptomatology similar to the same.

If your mother, sister, or a close family member has PCOS, your chances of developing it are higher. That doesn’t mean it’s unavoidable—it means we can intervene early with awareness and lifestyle measures.

PCOS can feel like a never-ending cycle of confusion, fatigue, and hormonal ups and downs. Dr. Jay Mehta understands this deeply—schedule your consultation today and begin your journey to better health.

What You Can Do Today. If you suspect you have PCOS or are already diagnosed, here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Don’t panic. You’re not alone, and help is available.

• Track your symptoms. Irregular periods, skin changes, and weight gain matter.

• Consult a gynecologist or endocrinologist. A specialist can help personalize your care.

• Prioritize lifestyle. Diet, exercise, and sleep can work wonders.

• Medication when needed. Don’t shy away from options like metformin or hormonal therapy if advised.