In order to diagnose PCOS, the doctor will need a detailed medical and gynaecological history. In addition, the doctor may perform a physical examination, which will include blood testing and in some cases an ultrasound.

• The criteria for diagnosing PCOS is to have 2 out of the following three criteria present in a woman.
• Irregular periods or absent periods.
• Presence of acne or abnormal hair growth or lab results showing raised male hormones.
• Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.

Through the history, physical exam, and blood testing your physician will have enough information to diagnose PCOS or determine any other cause for your symptoms.

Unfortunately, at this time there is no cure for PCOS. However, with proper treatment many of the symptoms can be controlled and possibly be even eliminated. With appropriate treatment hirsutism, acne, irregular periods, weight gain, and infertility can be treated. Although there is no cure, all women with PCOS should seek the care of a physician to optimize their health and prevent the progression of the symptoms.

Women with PCOS generally have irregular, infrequent, or even absent ovulation. Without ovulation there is no egg or ovum that is available for fertilization. Due to the abnormal hormonal levels, the endometrium, or the inside lining of the uterus, does not develop normally in women with PCOS. Therefore, even if a rare ovulation was to occur and the egg was fertilized, the endometrium may not be properly developed to allow for the attachment and growth of the embryo. This may explain the increased risk of miscarriage in women with PCOS.

Surgery is no cure for PCOS, as the cysts are merely because of hormonal imbalance and do not warrant any surgery.

There’s genetic link definitely seen in PCOS patients, which is aggravated by environmental influence.

Metformin is given in PCOS to counter insulin resistance, which is the basic problem in PCOS. Insulin is a hormone which regulates your blood sugar and weight. PCOS patients have insulin working sub normally and metformin helps in alleviating that.

PCOS in frequently associated with excess male hormones circulating in your blood. This cause acne & hair growth. Hair growth in male pattern and thick, long, dark coarse hair.

The role of birth control pills (OCP’s) in PCOS is vital, It keeps the cycle under check and patients have regular periods. OCP’s also help in regulating and bringing down male hormone levels. Birth control pills also decrease the chances of developing womb cancer. They can be used long term especially in patients who do not desire to get pregnant.

By virtue of Insulin resistance being the culprit, women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing diabetes later in life.

Insulin resistance also puts these women at risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome, which is a cluster of various abnormalities which collectively increase the risk of cardio vascular decrease.

Women with PCOS tend to get thick lining of their uterus (Womb) because they are not regularly menstruating. This can eventually lead to womb hyperplasia & even cancer.