What is What is PCOS?
💡 PCOS is polycystic ovary syndrome — a hormonal disorder affecting 8–13% of reproductive-age women, characterised by anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. It is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility. Diagnosis: 2 of 3 Rotterdam criteria. First-line treatment: letrozole for ovulation induction.
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting 8–13% of women globally. It causes irregular or absent ovulation, elevated androgens, and polycystic ovaries — and is the single most common cause of anovulatory infertility.
🇮🇳 India Context: What is PCOS is widely assessed and treated across major Indian fertility centres including Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
What are the key characteristics of What is PCOS?
- Affects 8–13% of reproductive-age women globally — the most common endocrine disorder in women
- Rotterdam diagnosis: 2 of 3 criteria required — anovulation/oligoovulation, hyperandrogenism (clinical or biochemical), polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (≥12 follicles/ovary or volume >10mL)
- Hormonal profile: elevated LH, LH:FSH ratio >2:1, elevated total/free testosterone, AMH often >5–10 ng/mL
- Insulin resistance: present in 50–70% of PCOS patients — drives hyperandrogenism via excess theca cell androgen production
- Fertility impact: anovulation prevents natural conception — letrozole (first-line) restores ovulation in 75–85% of cases
- OHSS risk is very high in IVF: AMH >3.0 ng/mL and AFC >20 are PCOS hallmarks — GnRH agonist trigger + freeze-all mandatory
- Metabolic complications: type 2 diabetes risk 5–10x higher; hypertension, dyslipidaemia, NAFLD long-term risks
- Treatment: lifestyle modification (5% weight loss restores ovulation in 30–40%), letrozole, metformin, IVF for non-responders
How does What is PCOS work?
Why does What is PCOS matter in fertility?
PCOS is the most treatable cause of female infertility. Letrozole (2.5–7.5mg, Days 3–7) is the evidence-based first-line ovulation induction agent — achieving ovulation in 75–85% of PCOS patients with live birth rates of 27–32% per cycle. Metformin (1500–2000mg/day) improves insulin sensitivity, enhancing ovulation induction response. In IVF, PCOS patients are high responders — requiring careful stimulation monitoring and GnRH agonist trigger to eliminate severe OHSS risk. In India, PCOS is the single most common cause of female infertility presenting to reproductive medicine clinics.
What are related terms to What is PCOS?
FAQs about What is PCOS
What is PCOS?
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is the most common hormonal disorder in reproductive-age women — affecting 8–13% globally. It causes anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Diagnosed by 2 of 3 Rotterdam criteria. It is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility.
Does PCOS affect fertility?
Yes. PCOS causes anovulation — preventing natural conception. It is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility. Letrozole (first-line) achieves ovulation in 75–85% of PCOS patients. Most women with PCOS can conceive with treatment — ovulation induction, IUI, or IVF.
What is the first-line treatment for PCOS infertility?
Letrozole (2.5–7.5mg, Days 3–7) is the evidence-based first-line ovulation induction agent for PCOS — superior to clomiphene in live birth rates. Metformin improves insulin sensitivity and enhances letrozole response. Lifestyle modification (5% weight loss) can restore spontaneous ovulation in 30–40% of overweight PCOS patients.
Why is PCOS high-risk for OHSS in IVF?
PCOS ovaries have high antral follicle count (AFC >20) and elevated AMH (>3–5 ng/mL) — meaning they recruit excessive follicles during stimulation, risking OHSS. GnRH agonist trigger instead of hCG and freeze-all strategy are mandatory in PCOS IVF to reduce severe OHSS to near zero.
Is PCOS curable?
PCOS is a chronic condition — not curable. However, its fertility impact is highly treatable. Symptoms are manageable with letrozole, metformin, lifestyle change, and hormonal therapy. Women with PCOS can achieve successful pregnancies with appropriate ovulation induction or IVF management.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
PCOS is diagnosed when 2 of 3 Rotterdam criteria are present: (1) anovulation or oligoovulation, (2) clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism (elevated testosterone, hirsutism, acne), (3) polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (≥12 follicles per ovary or ovarian volume >10mL). Other causes must be excluded.
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