What is PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)?

Why PCOS matters

PCOS is linked with insulin resistance and raises your risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and fatty liver. It is more common in women of Asian background.

Common signs include:

• irregular or missed periods
• extra facial or body hair
• acne
• hair thinning
• weight gain that is hard to shift
• dark, thick skin patches on the neck or underarms

Doctors usually diagnose it when you have two of three features:

• irregular periods
• signs of high male-type hormones
• ovaries that look polycystic on ultrasound

You don't need cysts to have it.

What helps with PCOS

Food and lifestyle are the base of PCOS care.

These help steady insulin:

• regular meals with protein and fibre at each one
• whole grains and millets instead of maida
• dal and sabzi filling most of the thali
• fewer sweets and sugary drinks

Daily movement, including some strength work, and regular sleep matter as much as diet. If you're carrying extra weight, losing some can help your periods and hormones.

Your doctor may add medicine; food changes work alongside it.

Is there a test for PCOS?

There's no single PCOS test. Your doctor may order testosterone, LH, FSH, AMH, prolactin, TSH, fasting insulin or HbA1c, along with an ovarian ultrasound, and read them together with your symptoms.