PCOS Treatment in Kolkata: Symptoms, Diagnosis & a Practical Care Plan

Periods that come every two months. Acne that will not settle. Weight that creeps up despite eating carefully. Hair thinning on the scalp but growing on the chin.

Many young women in Kolkata live with these signs for years before anyone connects them. Often, the link is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), one of the most common hormonal conditions in women of reproductive age.

The good news: PCOS is very manageable. With the right diagnosis and a practical plan, most women control their symptoms, protect their long-term health and go on to have healthy pregnancies when they choose to.

This guide from the gynaecology team at BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital explains PCOS symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and what PCOS treatment in Kolkata involves.

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal condition in which the ovaries do not release an egg regularly. It is often linked with higher levels of male-type hormones (androgens) and with insulin resistance, where the body does not respond well to insulin.

On ultrasound, the ovaries may show many small follicles. Despite the name, these are not harmful cysts, and you do not need to see them on a scan to have PCOS.

PCOS vs PCOD: Is There a Difference?

You will hear both terms in India. In everyday use, PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS mean much the same thing. Doctors prefer the term PCOS because the condition affects the whole body, not just the ovaries: hormones, metabolism, skin, weight and emotional health.

Common PCOS Symptoms

PCOS looks different in every woman. You may have some of these signs, not all:

• Irregular, infrequent or absent periods
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Acne, especially along the jawline
• Excess hair on the face, chest or abdomen
• Thinning hair on the scalp
• Weight gain, particularly around the waist
• Dark, velvety skin patches on the neck or underarms
• Mood changes, anxiety or low mood

What Causes PCOS?

There is no single cause. PCOS usually results from a mix of factors:

• Genetics: it often runs in families
• Insulin resistance: high insulin levels push the ovaries to make more androgens
• Lifestyle: low physical activity, irregular sleep and a diet high in refined carbohydrates can make symptoms worse

PCOS is not caused by anything you did wrong. It is a medical condition, and it deserves proper care.

How Is PCOS Diagnosed?

Your gynaecologist will diagnose PCOS when at least two of these three are present, after ruling out other causes:

• Irregular or absent ovulation, usually seen as irregular periods
• Signs of high androgens, in symptoms or blood tests
• Polycystic-looking ovaries on ultrasound

Tests your doctor may advise include:

• A pelvic ultrasound
• Hormone tests, such as testosterone, LH, FSH and prolactin
• Thyroid function tests, to rule out thyroid problems
• Blood sugar and insulin tests
• A lipid profile, to check cholesterol

PCOS Treatment: A Practical Care Plan

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Your plan depends on your symptoms, age and whether you are trying to conceive.

1. Lifestyle changes come first

This is the foundation of PCOS care, and it works. For women carrying extra weight, losing even 5 to 10 percent of body weight can help periods become more regular and improve ovulation.

• Eat balanced meals with more vegetables, protein and whole grains, and fewer sweets, refined flour and sugary drinks
• Aim for at least 150 minutes of activity a week; brisk walking counts
• Keep a regular sleep routine
• Manage stress, which affects hormones too

2. Medicines for symptom control

Depending on your needs, your gynaecologist may prescribe:

• Hormonal treatment to regulate periods and protect the lining of the womb
• Medicines that improve insulin resistance
• Treatment for acne and excess hair growth

3. Fertility support for women trying to conceive

Many women with PCOS conceive naturally. Others need some help. Treatment may include medicines to help you ovulate, careful monitoring with ultrasound and, where needed, referral for advanced fertility care.

4. Long-term health checks

PCOS raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease later in life. Regular check-ups help catch these early, when they are easiest to manage.

PCOS and Pregnancy

A PCOS diagnosis does not mean you cannot have a baby. With the right support, most women with PCOS have healthy pregnancies.

Women with PCOS do need closer monitoring during pregnancy, as there is a higher chance of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Planning your pregnancy with your gynaecologist makes a real difference.

When Should You See a Gynaecologist?

Book a consultation if you notice:

• Periods that come less than 8 or 9 times a year, or stop for 3 months or more
• New or worsening acne or facial hair
• Difficulty conceiving after trying for a year (or 6 months if you are over 35)
• Unexplained weight gain alongside irregular periods
• Very heavy bleeding after a long gap between periods

PCOS Care at BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital

PCOS care at BK Aditya is led by Dr. Ajita Mishra Digga (MBBS, MS Obstetrics & Gynaecology, FMAS, AMASI), Head of Gynaecology. We offer:

• Diagnosis and long-term management of PCOS and menstrual disorders
• Ultrasound and diagnostic tests under one roof
• Infertility counselling with a clear plan for next steps
• High-risk pregnancy care
• Laparoscopic surgery for fibroids, ovarian cysts and endometriosis

We listen first, explain clearly and build a plan that fits your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PCOS be cured permanently?

PCOS cannot be cured, but it can be controlled very well. With the right lifestyle and treatment, many women have regular periods and few symptoms.

Can I get pregnant if I have PCOS?

Yes. Many women with PCOS conceive naturally, and others succeed with simple treatment to help them ovulate.

Does PCOS only affect overweight women?

No. Women of any body weight can have PCOS. Lean women with PCOS also benefit from diagnosis and treatment.

Is PCOS the same as PCOD?

In everyday use, yes. Doctors prefer the term PCOS because the condition affects the whole body, not just the ovaries.

How long does PCOS treatment take to work?

Many women see changes in their periods within 3 to 6 months of consistent lifestyle changes and treatment. Skin and hair changes may take longer.

You Do Not Have to Manage PCOS Alone

PCOS is common, and it is treatable. The sooner you get a clear diagnosis, the sooner you can feel in control of your body again.

To book a consultation with our gynaecology team, call +91 82769 79994 or visit BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital, 2nd Floor, Satgachi Rd, Notun Pally, Satgachi, Kamardanga, Kolkata 700074.

This article is for general information and does not replace a consultation with your doctor.