PCOS – polycystic ovarain syndrome also called Pee COS by some.

• Are you an overweight teenager with thinning scalp hair but facial hair, pimples and a poor sense of self worth?
• Are you a married woman with delayed/scanty periods desperate for a baby but unable to conceive?
• Are you in your early forties and have already developed diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol when you mother got it in her late fifties?

All the three presentations are of the same condition called polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by some, a syndrome that has taken modern world by storm. It is a hormonal disorder with

• Imbalance of the two female hormones estrogen and progesterone with estrogen taking the upper hand – menstrual irregularities, infertility, increased risk of endometrial (inner lining of the uterus) and breast cancer
• Insulin resistance – obesity
• Excess of testosterone – causing acne and hair growth

Why it occurs is not known though early age of menarche (age of 1^st period), pollution, unhealthy life style – fast foods and lack of exercise are blamed.

It can be controlled (but not completely cured) by a multidisciplinary approach involving the gynecologist, dietician, dermatologist, endocrinologist, infertility expert. Treatment varies according to the age, presenting symptom and the desire for child bearing.

The various modalities include:

• Lifestyle modification and weight reduction – suffices in most cases
• Cyclical hormonal treatment (oral contraceptive pills/cyproterone acetate) for menstrual irregularities; newer drugs like myo-inositol available for those wary of hormones
• Drugs (oral/injections) for ovulation induction and rupture of egg for fertility enhancement; at times laparoscopic surgery is required
• Drugs like metformin for insulin resistance, also contributes to weight loss
• Drugs like aldactone to decrease hair growth
• Laser treatment for hirsutism
• Treatment for acne

Consult your doctor before starting any form of treatment.