Home Specialities Gynecology How do you even know when you have PCOS?

How do you even know when you have PCOS?

February 8, 2023

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How to Know When You Have PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common yet underdiagnosed hormonal disorders in women. Many women live with PCOS for years without realizing it, attributing symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, or acne to stress or lifestyle changes. However, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications like infertility, diabetes, and heart disease.

At EliteAyurveda, under the guidance of Dr. Adil Moulanchikkal, we focus on root-cause diagnosis and holistic Ayurvedic healing, ensuring complete hormonal balance and metabolic restoration.

📖 Recognizing PCOS: The Key Symptoms

PCOS affects hormones, metabolism, and reproductive health. It manifests in different ways, but here are the most common warning signs:

✔️ Irregular Periods – Skipped, delayed, or very heavy periods
✔️ Excess Facial & Body Hair (Hirsutism) – Unwanted hair on chin, upper lip, chest, or abdomen
✔️ Unexplained Weight Gain – Sudden weight gain, especially around the belly
✔️ Severe Acne & Oily Skin – Persistent breakouts, even in adulthood
✔️ Hair Thinning & Scalp Baldness – Hair fall and widening of the hairline
✔️ Fatigue & Low Energy – Feeling constantly tired or weak
✔️ Dark Skin Patches (Acanthosis Nigricans) – Dark, velvety patches on the neck, underarms, or groin
✔️ Mood Swings, Anxiety & Depression – Emotional instability, irritability, or stress
✔️ Fertility Issues & Difficulty Conceiving – Irregular ovulation leading to infertility

“Yadi Nari Maasanusari, Dosha Dushita Jaatishu”
(If a woman’s cycle is irregular, it indicates a deeper imbalance in the body.)
— Charaka Samhita

🔬 How Is PCOS Diagnosed?

Since PCOS presents differently in every woman, there is no single test to diagnose it. A combination of symptoms, blood tests, and ultrasound helps confirm PCOS.

1️⃣ Blood Tests for PCOS

✔️ Hormone Tests:

🔹 High Testosterone Levels – Causes acne, hair growth, and scalp thinning
🔹 LH (Luteinizing Hormone) & FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) Ratio – Imbalance indicates ovulation issues
🔹 High DHEA-S – Linked to excess androgens (male hormones)

✔️ Metabolic Tests:

🔹 Fasting Insulin & Blood Sugar Levels – Checks for insulin resistance and diabetes risk
🔹 Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test) – Identifies heart disease risk

✔️ Inflammation Marker:

🔹 C-Reactive Protein (CRP) – High levels indicate chronic inflammation

2️⃣ Ultrasound Scan (Pelvic USG)

✔️ Findings in PCOS:

Multiple small cysts on ovaries (polycystic appearance)
Enlarged ovaries due to hormonal imbalance

⚠️ Note: Not all women with PCOS have cysts, and some women without PCOS may have cysts. A proper diagnosis is based on a combination of symptoms, blood tests, and ultrasound results.

🌿 Ayurvedic Perspective on PCOS Diagnosis

In Ayurveda, PCOS is seen as a Kapha-Vata disorder caused by:
✅ Kapha accumulation → Weight gain, insulin resistance, slow metabolism
✅ Vata imbalance → Irregular cycles, infertility, anxiety
✅ Agni (digestive fire) weakness → Poor digestion, toxin buildup, hormonal disruptions

Ayurvedic diagnosis focuses on Nadi Pariksha (pulse diagnosis), symptom analysis, and Dosha evaluation to understand the root cause of hormonal imbalance.

🛑 When Should You See a Doctor?

If you notice two or more symptoms of PCOS, consult a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis can prevent complications like:
🚨 Infertility & Miscarriages
🚨 Type 2 Diabetes & Prediabetes
🚨 High Blood Pressure & Heart Disease
🚨 Sleep Apnea & Chronic Fatigue

🌿 Ayurvedic Treatment: Root-Cause Healing for PCOS

Unlike modern medicine, which only offers temporary symptom control through birth control pills or insulin medications, Ayurveda heals PCOS naturally by balancing hormones, metabolism, and digestion.

1️⃣ Personalized Herbal Medications

At EliteAyurveda, we prepare customized Ayurvedic formulations to:
✅ Regulate menstrual cycles naturally
✅ Improve insulin sensitivity & prevent diabetes
✅ Balance hormones & reduce androgen levels
✅ Enhance fertility & reproductive health

2️⃣ Ayurvedic Diet (Ahara) to Reverse PCOS

✔️ Healing Foods for PCOS:
✅ Ghee & Healthy Fats – Balances hormones, boosts metabolism
✅ Bitter & Leafy Greens – Detoxifies excess hormones
✅ Fenugreek, Turmeric, & Cinnamon – Regulates insulin & sugar levels
✅ Whole Grains & Lentils – Provides stable energy & improves gut health

🚫 Foods to Avoid:
❌ Refined sugar & processed foods – Worsen insulin resistance
❌ Dairy & gluten – Trigger inflammation & hormonal imbalances
❌ Junk food & fried snacks – Increase Kapha & block metabolic pathways

3️⃣ Lifestyle Adjustments (Vihara) for PCOS Control

✔️ Daily Practices for Hormonal Balance:
✅ Morning Detox: Warm lemon water or herbal tea
✅ Yoga & Strength Training: Improves insulin sensitivity
✅ Adequate Sleep: Helps regulate reproductive hormones
✅ Meditation & Stress Management: Reduces cortisol levels

🚫 Habits to Avoid:
❌ Late-night eating & binge eating
❌ Overconsumption of caffeine & alcohol
❌ Lack of physical activity & irregular sleep cycle

🌿 Panchakarma Detox for PCOS Healing

Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies help cleanse deep-seated toxins and restore hormonal balance.

Therapy	How It Helps PCOS
Virechana (Purgation Therapy)	Detoxifies liver & improves hormone metabolism
Basti (Medicated Enema)	Regulates Vata & improves ovulation
Udwartana (Herbal Powder Massage)	Reduces Kapha & aids weight loss
Nasya (Nasal Therapy)	Balances brain function & reduces stress hormones

📖 Real Patient Success Story

“I always had irregular periods and weight gain, but I ignored them. When I started losing hair and getting acne, I finally went for tests and was diagnosed with PCOS. My doctor prescribed birth control pills, but I wanted a natural solution. At EliteAyurveda, with herbal medicine, detox therapy, and diet changes, my periods became regular within 3 months, and I lost 8 kg without effort!”
— Megha R., Bengaluru

👨‍⚕️ From the Doctor’s Desk: Dr. Adil Moulanchikkal

“PCOS is often ignored until it leads to infertility or serious health issues. Women should pay attention to early signs and seek holistic treatment. Ayurveda treats the root cause of PCOS by balancing hormones naturally—without side effects.”