PCOS management
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) affects hormones, ovulation, skin, and metabolism. With timely evaluation, lifestyle changes, and individualized treatment, most patients achieve regular cycles, improved symptoms, and healthy pregnancies.
Quick answers
Is PCOS painful?
PCOS itself is not usually painful, though irregular periods or cyst rupture can cause cramps; seek care if pain is severe or persistent.
How long to regulate periods?
With lifestyle and medication, many see improvements in 3–6 months.
Can I conceive with PCOS?
Yes. With ovulation induction and supportive care, many conceive within 3–6 treatment cycles; timelines vary.
Causes & Symptoms
What causes PCOS?
- Insulin resistance: increases insulin levels, driving ovarian androgen production.
- Hormonal imbalance: elevated androgens disrupt follicle development and ovulation.
- Genetic predisposition: often runs in families.
- Weight and lifestyle factors: excess adiposity can amplify insulin resistance and androgen excess.
- Environmental and inflammatory factors: low-grade inflammation may contribute.
Common symptoms
- Irregular or absent periods; heavy or scanty bleeding patterns.
- Acne, oily skin, scalp hair thinning (androgenic alopecia), excess facial/body hair (hirsutism).
- Difficulty conceiving due to irregular ovulation.
- Weight gain or central fat accumulation; sugar cravings.
- Darkened skin (acanthosis nigricans) around neck/armpits, suggestive of insulin resistance.
- Mood changes, low energy, and sleep disturbances.
Non-Surgical / Lifestyle Care
Lifestyle optimisation is a first-line therapy for most with PCOS and helps whether or not you are trying to conceive.
Nutrition strategies
- Plate method: half non-starchy vegetables, one-quarter lean protein, one-quarter whole grains/low-GI carbs.
- Prefer high-fibre foods (millets, oats, legumes) and healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil).
- Distribute carbohydrates evenly; avoid sugary drinks and ultra-processed snacks.
- Target 5–10% weight reduction if overweight—often restores ovulation.
Activity, sleep, and stress
- Exercise: at least 150 minutes/week moderate cardio plus 2–3 days of resistance training.
- Sleep: 7–9 hours nightly; treat snoring or suspected sleep apnoea.
- Stress care: mindfulness, yoga, or counselling to reduce cortisol-driven cravings and cycle disruption.
- Limit tobacco and alcohol; both can worsen metabolic and reproductive outcomes.
Treatment & Surgical Options
Management depends on your goals (cycle control, skin/hair concerns, metabolic health, or pregnancy). At Dr. Smita Deo's Vedika Clinic, plans are individualised and may include the following:
Cycle regulation and symptom control
- Combined oral contraceptive pills: regulate periods, reduce acne and hirsutism; not for those actively trying to conceive.
- Cyclic progestin: protects the uterine lining if periods are infrequent.
- Anti-androgens (e.g., spironolactone): for acne/hirsutism; require reliable contraception and monitoring.
- Insulin-sensitisers (e.g., metformin): improve insulin resistance, may aid weight and cycle regularity.
- Inositol supplements: may support ovulatory function in select patients.
- Dermatology care: topical/oral treatments and laser hair reduction for symptom relief.
Fertility-focused care
- Ovulation induction: letrozole is first-line; clomiphene is an alternative. Ultrasound monitoring optimises timing and safety.
- Gonadotropins: considered if oral agents fail; used with careful monitoring to reduce multiple pregnancy risk.
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): may be paired with ovulation induction when sperm parameters and tubes are favourable.
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF): for treatment resistance, additional infertility factors, or time-sensitive cases.
- Laparoscopic ovarian drilling: selectively for clomiphene/letrozole resistance; aims to lower ovarian androgen production. Discuss benefits and risks thoroughly.
Throughout treatment, we screen and manage associated risks such as prediabetes/diabetes, high cholesterol, blood pressure, and endometrial overgrowth. Mental health support is offered when needed.
How we personalise your plan
Your plan may include cycle tracking, ultrasound follicle monitoring, glucose and lipid profiling, thyroid and prolactin tests, and customised nutrition/exercise targets. We discuss timelines upfront so you know when to escalate from lifestyle and oral medicines to advanced fertility treatments if needed.
FAQs on PCOS Management in Pune
Consult Dr. Smita Deo in Pune, Maharashtra
If you are experiencing irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, or fertility challenges, timely assessment can prevent long-term complications. For personalised PCOS / PCOD Management with a fertility focus, schedule a consultation with Dr. Smita Deo at Dr. Smita Deo's Vedika Clinic.
Address: Dr. Smita Deo's Vedika Clinic, Pune, Maharashtra.
Appointments: Use our online booking portal or call the clinic reception to schedule your visit.
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