Landing Eyes on Unnoticed Disorder: A Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an underdiagnosed metabolic and endocrine disorder found in women of reproductive age in which ovaries develop follicles and does not release egg regularly. Its symptoms include menstrual irregularity, polycystic ovaries, hirsutism, infertility, insulin-resistance, impaired glucose tolerance. Currently the exact cause for the PCOS is unknown but research suggest that it may be related to lifestyle changes, environmental traits and genetical factors. Prevalence of PCOS in India ranges from 3.7 %to 22.5%. The syndrome is associated with increased gonadotropin-releasing diagnose PCOS till the date. Out of 3 diagnosis criteria, Rotterdam diagnostic criteria is highly accepted by the healthcare providers. Weight loss has been a major contributor in the non-pharmacological management of PCOS. Moderate exercise, behavioral therapy and psychological counselling is suggested for affected women. In pharmacological treatment, combined oral contraceptive pills (COCP), metformin, anti-androgen agents, clomiphene citrate, letrozole as fertility inducing agents are used and surgical options are also considered when necessary. In India, PCOS is still underdiagnosed disorder with long term morbidities involved and its time that it should be discussed more openly and treated holistically.