PCOS Treatment: Effective, Doctor-Approved Strategies | Sanchet Hospital, Paschim Vihar
Understanding PCOS: Causes, Symptoms, and How It’s Diagnosed
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine conditions affecting women of reproductive age in India. Recent analyses report prevalence of around 11.3% using the Rotterdam criteria, with localized studies — for example among college-aged women in Delhi NCR — reporting rates as high as 17.4% (ThePrint; Reproductive Health). PCOS is a syndrome — meaning a pattern of signs and symptoms — rather than a single identifiable cause. Key features include ovulatory dysfunction (oligo- or anovulation), clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism (acne, hirsutism, elevated androgens) and polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound. The Rotterdam criteria require at least two of these three to make the diagnosis. Symptoms often include irregular periods, heavy or missed menses, stubborn weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth, and fertility difficulties. Importantly, PCOS carries metabolic risks: Indian cohort data report high rates of dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome among affected women (JAMA Network Open; Times of India). Early recognition and a structured evaluation are essential to reduce long-term cardio-metabolic risks and to tailor treatment for reproductive goals.Medical Treatments: Hormonal Therapy, Metformin, and Managing Symptoms
Medical therapy for PCOS targets the dominant problems: menstrual irregularity, hyperandrogenic symptoms (acne, hirsutism), metabolic dysfunction, and fertility. For cycle control and androgen suppression, combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are commonly prescribed; they regulate bleeding and lower circulating androgens, improving acne and hirsutism over months. Anti-androgen agents (for example spironolactone) may be added for persistent hirsutism but require contraception due to teratogenic risk. Metformin is widely used in India for women with insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance or metabolic concerns. It improves insulin sensitivity, can regularize menses for some women, and reduces the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes. While not a primary ovulation induction agent, metformin is often part of a combined strategy when metabolic dysfunction coexists. Indian diagnostic and treatment pathways emphasize metabolic assessment because of high rates of dyslipidemia and NAFLD reported in PCOS cohorts (JAMA Network Open). Dermatologic management includes topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide for acne, oral isotretinoin for severe disease, and physical treatments such as laser hair reduction for hirsutism. All medical plans should be individualized: dose, duration and choice of agent depend on symptom severity, age, reproductive plans and comorbidities. In a multidisciplinary setting like Sanchet Hospital, gynecologists, endocrinologists and dermatologists coordinate to optimize both symptom control and long-term health.PCOS Treatment with Lifestyle & Nutrition: Diet, Exercise, Weight Management, and Supplements
Lifestyle modification is the foundation of PCOS management. Even modest weight loss (5–10% of body weight) improves menstrual regularity, ovulation rates and metabolic markers. For women in New Delhi, practical, sustainable approaches matter: focus on portion control, reducing refined carbohydrates and added sugars, and favoring whole grains, legumes, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats. Mediterranean-style or low glycemic index (GI) eating patterns have shown benefit in metabolic and reproductive outcomes. Exercise recommendations follow general cardiometabolic guidance — at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity plus two sessions of resistance training — but should be individualized to ability, time constraints, and coexisting conditions. Behavioral support (goal-setting, self-monitoring, structured follow-up with a dietitian) significantly improves adherence and results. Commonly discussed supplements include inositols (myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol) for ovulatory improvement, vitamin D when deficient, and omega-3 fatty acids for lipid benefits. Evidence varies: inositols show promise in some trials but are not universal remedies; vitamin D replacement is recommended only if deficiency is documented. Given the high prevalence of metabolic abnormalities in Indian women with PCOS, integrating lifestyle intervention with medical and nutritional support reduces long-term risks and can enhance fertility outcomes.PCOS Treatment: Fertility & Pregnancy Support
Fertility counselling is essential for women with PCOS who wish to conceive. Initial strategies focus on optimizing metabolic health and weight: a modest weight reduction can restore ovulation in many. First-line pharmacological ovulation induction often uses letrozole (favoured in many recent protocols) or clomiphene citrate; dosing and monitoring are tailored and include tracking cycles, ovulation tests and ultrasound follicular monitoring. For those who do not ovulate or conceive with oral agents, injectable gonadotropin stimulation or laparoscopic ovarian drilling may be considered. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is indicated for women with additional tubal factors, severe male factor infertility, or failure of other treatments. IVF protocols for PCOS aim to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) through careful dosing, antagonist protocols and, where appropriate, use of a GnRH agonist trigger. Pregnancy in women with PCOS requires preconception optimization: strict glucose control, screening for and treating thyroid disease, and addressing weight and blood pressure. Women with PCOS have elevated risks of gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders, so collaborative care between reproductive specialists, endocrinologists and obstetricians is important. At Sanchet Hospital, fertility planning is integrated with metabolic and obstetric care to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.Personalized Care at Sanchet Hospital: Tests, Multidisciplinary Approach, and When to Visit
Sanchet Hospital, Paschim Vihar, provides coordinated, multidisciplinary PCOS care — gynaecology, endocrinology, nutrition, and dermatology working together to create personalized treatment plans. A typical initial evaluation includes a thorough medical and menstrual history, physical exam (including BMI, blood pressure, signs of hyperandrogenism), and targeted investigations. Key tests commonly ordered are: hormonal panels (LH, FSH, serum total and free testosterone, DHEA-S, prolactin, TSH), metabolic screening (fasting glucose, fasting insulin or oral glucose tolerance test when indicated), lipid profile, liver function tests (to assess NAFLD risk), and pelvic ultrasound to evaluate ovarian morphology. These tests both confirm diagnosis using the Rotterdam criteria and identify comorbidities requiring treatment (Reproductive Health; JAMA Network Open). Seek specialist care when you have irregular or absent periods, troublesome acne or hair growth, sudden weight gain, or difficulty conceiving. Early specialist input reduces long-term cardio-metabolic risks and improves reproductive outcomes. At Sanchet Hospital, the team provides clear testing pathways, individualized medical therapy, structured lifestyle programs with a dietitian, dermatologic treatments and fertility planning — all under one roof in Paschim Vihar. If you’re experiencing symptoms of PCOS, schedule an evaluation to get a tailored plan and appropriate follow-up.Sources: ThePrint (link), Reproductive Health (link), JAMA Network Open (link), Times of India (link).
