Busting common myths about PCOS

 

PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition that affects nearly 10 per cent of women in their reproductive age. 1 out of 10 women are affected by the condition globally, and if we talk about India alone, it affects 1 out of 5 women in our country. The condition is marked by elevated levels of insulin and androgen hormone in a female body. The former leads to insulin resistance and the latter gives rise to various symptoms like acne, hair fall, facial hair growth, irregular periods, etc. Although the condition is very common, there are many myths related to it that prevail in our society. Today, we are going to bust some of the most common of these with the help of the best IVF doctor in Noida.

Myth 1 - Having PCOS means you have polycystic ovaries

The name of the condition, itself, backs this myth to some extent. However, you should not always go with the name. No doubt, many women suffering from PCOS tend to have cysts in their ovaries, this is not always the case. A woman suffering from the condition is likely to have any of the three problems or a combination of these:

●      Irregular menstrual cycles

●      Multiple ovarian cysts

●      Elevated androgen levels

In some cases, the cysts may get cured, but the condition remains, as it is lifelong.

 

Myth 2 - Every woman suffering from PCOS is likely to experience unwanted hair growth

Although a lot of women suffering from PCOS experience hirsutism or unwanted hair growth, it does not hold for everyone. Hair growth is caused by the raised androgen levels, but the hormone works differently for different women. So,  having PCOS does not necessarily mean that you will have unwanted hair growth

 

Myth 3 - It is impossible to conceive if you have PCOS

As per the top IVF doctors in Noida, many women suffering from PCOS fear that they will never have a baby. This is completely false, as it is possible to have a healthy family with PCOS. While some women may need fertility treatment for the same, others may get pregnant naturally. All you need to do is manage the condition effectively, with healthy lifestyle modifications and medication.

 

Myth 4 - Irregular menstrual cycle means that you have PCOS

It is important to understand that an irregular menstrual cycle can be a result of many different factors and not just PCOS. A normal cycle is anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks. Other causes of irregular menstrual cycles, apart from PCOS, include breastfeeding, dieting, excessive exercising, inflammatory pelvic diseases, uterine fibroids and thyroid.

 

Myth 5 - Women suffering from PCOS are overweight or obese

When we talk about PCOS, the first image that comes to mind is that of a fat lady with a lot of facial hair. This is nothing but a misconception. Women with PCOS are not necessarily fat. PCOS has a different impact on different people and, experts from the best infertility clinic in Noida suggest that not everyone tends to gain weight.