- By Bornika Das
- Tue, 27 May 2025 09:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
For many women, irregular periods, sudden acne, unexpected weight gain or thick facial hair are brushed off as normal or just hormonal. But beneath these everyday concerns may lie a condition that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Despite its prevalence, PCOS remains widely misunderstood and often undiagnosed, especially in its early stages. Little do women realise that PCOS can impact them till they try to conceive and start facing issues. About 70-80 per cent of women face fertility challenges due to hormonal imbalances, especially when suffering from PCOS. Clearly, it is one of the most prevalent hormonal disorders in women, but also heavily misdiagnosed.
PCOS disrupts the body’s natural hormonal balance, interfering with ovulation and menstrual cycles, two critical aspects of reproductive health. This hormonal imbalance, often triggered by insulin resistance, can silently affect egg quality, ovulation timing and long-term fertility. Left unmanaged, PCOS not only reduces the chances of natural conception but also increases the risk of pregnancy complications. In conversation with Jagran English, Dr Rakhi Goyal, Fertility Specialist, Birla Fertility & IVF, Chandigarh, highlights the factors that women need to know about PCOS and fertility.
Connection Between PCOS And Fertility
PCOS impacts ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary, in multiple ways. At the root of PCOS is a hormonal imbalance, often driven by insulin resistance and increased visceral fat. Dr Rakhi Goyal states, “This metabolic disruption leads to higher levels of insulin and androgens (male hormones), both of which interfere with normal ovulation and menstrual cycles.”
Without routine ovulation, it becomes harder to predict fertile windows or conceive naturally. The hormonal disturbances due to PCOS can also have consequences on egg quality and maturation. She further states, “And if pregnancy does happen, women with PCOS are at slightly increased risk for complications such as miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure. But prompt treatment and ongoing monitoring can minimise these risks immensely.”
Dr Rakhi Goyal mentions, “The symptoms of PCOS aren't merely cosmetic or emotional concerns, they are your body's signals informing you of a hormonal imbalance. PCOS may also creep up on metabolic health and long-term cardiovascular well-being.”
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Tips To Manage PCOS Effectively (Image Credits: Canva)
Why Is Early Awareness Important?
Being aware of your reproductive health and fertility in your 20s and early 30s helps you plan better and make informed decisions at the right time. Early tests like AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone), Antral Follicle Count (AFC), and insulin and testosterone levels can provide valuable information for timely action.
How To Manage PCOS?
Dr Rakhi Goyal states that some good news about PCOS is that it is one of the most manageable reproductive conditions, especially when identified early and approached with the right support.
What works:
Even a 5-10 per cent weight loss restores ovulation
A low-glycemic index diet helps hormonal control
Exercise and sleep reduce insulin resistance
Mental health support is crucial
Ovulation induction, folic acid, IUI, or IVF improve chances with a personalised treatment plan
PCOS may feel complex but it’s not a permanent roadblock. Reproductive health should be a regular focus—not an emergency when things aren’t working out.