Shree Polyclinic & Lab

Your periods are irregular. You are gaining weight despite trying to stay active. Acne keeps returning. You notice unwanted facial hair. And suddenly, someone tells you: “It could be PCOS.” But here is the question most women ask next: How does PCOS actually form? Is it caused by weight gain? Stress? Hormones? Insulin resistance? Genetics? Or something happening inside the ovaries? The answer is more complicated—and more interesting—than simply saying “your hormones are imbalanced.” Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition involving ovulation, androgen hormones and metabolic factors such as insulin resistance. The exact cause is not completely understood, and several factors can interact in the development of PCOS. Let's break down what happens inside the body. What Is PCOS? PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome . Despite its name, PCOS is not simply a condition where a woman has “cysts in her ovaries.” In adults, PCOS is generally diagnos...

“PCOS Cysts” Aren’t Really Cysts — So What Is Happening Inside the Ovary? If you've ever been told, “You have cysts in your ovaries,” you may immediately worry. But here's an important fact: The small “cysts” seen in polycystic ovaries are usually immature follicles — tiny fluid-filled structures that contain developing eggs. In PCOS, these follicles may not develop normally and release an egg. As a result, multiple small follicles can remain visible in the ovaries, creating the characteristic polycystic appearance on ultrasound. 4 Important: Having polycystic-looking ovaries on an ultrasound does not automatically mean you have PCOS . PCOS is diagnosed using a combination of symptoms, medical history, examination, blood tests and/or ultrasound findings, depending on the individual. What Happens Normally in the Ovary? Every menstrual cycle, several tiny follicles begin developing inside the ovary. Think of follicles as small “homes” where eggs develop. Usually: Follicles beg...

  How Do Women With PCOS Get Pregnant? Understanding PCOS and Fertility MYTH: If you have PCOS, you can’t get pregnant. FACT: Many women with PCOS can become pregnant naturally or with medical assistance. A diagnosis of PCOS can be frightening when you're planning a baby. You may wonder: “Will I be able to get pregnant?” “Does PCOS mean I am infertile?” “Will I need IVF?” The answer is reassuring: PCOS does not mean that pregnancy is impossible. PCOS can make ovulation irregular or unpredictable, which may make it harder for some women to conceive. But pregnancy can often be achieved naturally or with appropriate fertility treatment. The 2023 international PCOS guideline specifically recommends reassuring women with PCOS that pregnancy can often be achieved naturally or with assistance. 5 What Is PCOS? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect menstrual cycles, ovulation, androgen levels and fertility. According to the World Heal...