PCOS Introduction

Welcome to our course designed for women who are living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or suspect they may have it. PCOS is a complex hormonal condition that affects many aspects of health — from metabolism and mood to fertility. In this course, we’ll help you understand the key facts about PCOS, its diagnosis, and treatment options, especially when trying to conceive.

Understanding PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is primarily a hormonal imbalance that often begins around puberty and continues throughout a woman’s life. It can impact physical, emotional, and reproductive health in different ways. PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age, affecting about one in five women. It’s also the leading cause of infertility due to a lack of ovulation (when the ovary doesn’t release an egg).

Diagnosis

To be diagnosed with PCOS, a woman must show at least two of the following three features:

• High levels of male hormones (androgens) — which may cause acne, unwanted hair growth, or thinning hair on the scalp.

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles.

• Polycystic ovaries — visible on ultrasound as multiple small follicles.

Since other hormonal disorders can mimic PCOS, doctors will rule out conditions such as thyroid problems, high prolactin levels, adrenal gland issues, or the use of anabolic steroids before confirming a PCOS diagnosis.

Treatment and Management

Treatment for PCOS is not one-size-fits-all. It depends on each woman’s symptoms and personal goals — whether it’s managing weight, improving fertility, or addressing hormonal imbalances.

For women who are overweight, lifestyle changes like improving diet and regular exercise can make a big difference. Losing even a small amount of weight can help balance hormones, improve mood, increase fertility, and reduce long-term health risks.

Because many women with PCOS are prone to insulin resistance (a condition linked to diabetes), managing blood sugar through healthy habits and sometimes medication is crucial for overall well-being.

Mental and Emotional Health

PCOS can also affect emotional health. Struggles with body image, acne, hair growth, or infertility may lead to anxiety or depression. Seeking help from a mental health professional can be an important part of treatment and self-care.

Fertility and Conception

When it comes to fertility, lifestyle changes alone can sometimes help restore ovulation. If that doesn’t work, doctors may prescribe medications like metformin, letrozole, or clomiphene citrate to stimulate ovulation.

If these oral medications aren’t effective, gonadotropin injections may be the next step — though these require close monitoring through ultrasound to avoid complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation or multiple pregnancies.

In some cases, surgical options like ovarian drilling may be considered if medication alone doesn’t help.

If pregnancy still doesn’t occur, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) offers a highly successful route for many women with PCOS. Modern IVF techniques — like using GnRH antagonists during stimulation and frozen embryo transfers — help minimize risks while maintaining excellent success rates.

Living Well With PCOS

With the right medical care, emotional support, and lifestyle habits, women with PCOS can lead healthy, fulfilling lives — and achieve their dream of becoming mothers.