Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), also called PCOD, is an endocrine disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. It is characterised by the formation of multiple small, fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries, irregular menstrual cycles, and elevated androgen (male hormone) levels. Beyond its effect on fertility, PCOS also increases long-term risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.
At Janisthaa IVF Center Bangalore, Dr. Shwetha Y Baratikkae sees PCOS as one of the most common yet most mismanaged conditions in women of reproductive age. The good news: with accurate diagnosis and a personalised plan, the vast majority of women with PCOS can manage their symptoms effectively and achieve their fertility goals.
Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS symptoms vary widely between individuals, which is part of why it is so frequently under-diagnosed. The most common signs include:
- Irregular or absent periods — fewer than 8 menstrual cycles per year, or cycles longer than 35 days
- Excess androgen effects — unwanted facial or body hair (hirsutism), acne on the face, chest, or back, and male-pattern hair thinning at the scalp
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound — ovaries containing 12 or more follicles each measuring 2–9 mm
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight — especially around the abdomen
- Darkening of skin (acanthosis nigricans) — at the neck, armpits, or groin, indicating insulin resistance
- Difficulty conceiving due to infrequent or absent ovulation
- Mood changes — anxiety and depression are significantly more common in women with PCOS
A PCOS diagnosis typically requires at least 2 of the following 3 criteria (Rotterdam Criteria): irregular ovulation, elevated androgens, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.
What Causes PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but research points to a combination of genetic and hormonal factors:
- Insulin resistance is present in up to 70% of PCOS women. When cells resist the effect of insulin, the pancreas produces more of it. Elevated insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce excess androgens, disrupting ovulation.
- Genetics — PCOS runs strongly in families. If your mother or sister has PCOS, your risk is significantly higher.
- Low-grade inflammation — Studies show that women with PCOS have chronic low-level inflammation that stimulates the ovaries to produce androgens.
- Hormonal imbalance — Elevated LH (luteinising hormone) relative to FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) is characteristic of PCOS and interferes with normal egg development and ovulation.
Risk Factors for PCOS
You are at higher risk for PCOS if you have:
- A mother or sister diagnosed with PCOS or PCOD
- Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes
- Obesity, especially central (abdominal) obesity
- A history of irregular periods since adolescence
- Exposure to elevated androgens in the womb (linked to maternal PCOS)
PCOS and Fertility: What Every Woman Should Know
PCOS is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility — infertility caused by the failure to ovulate regularly. However, having PCOS does not mean you cannot get pregnant. The key is accurate diagnosis and the right treatment protocol.
Women with PCOS also face slightly elevated risks during pregnancy: gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and miscarriage are all more common compared to women without PCOS. Close monitoring throughout a PCOS pregnancy is therefore essential.
At Janisthaa IVF Center Bangalore, Dr. Shwetha uses specialised, individually tailored stimulation protocols for PCOS patients undergoing IVF. Because women with PCOS are at higher risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), the stimulation dosage and monitoring schedule are carefully adjusted to maximise egg retrieval while minimising this risk. Many of our PCOS patients who had been trying to conceive for 5 to 10 years have achieved successful pregnancies through this approach.
PCOS Treatment Options in Bangalore
1. Lifestyle Management (First-Line Treatment)
For women with PCOS who are overweight, even a 5–10% reduction in body weight can restore regular ovulation and significantly improve hormonal balance. A combination of a low-glycaemic index (low-GI) diet and regular moderate exercise (150 minutes per week) forms the cornerstone of PCOS management. This is always the first recommendation before any medication is considered.
2. Medications to Regulate Hormones and Periods
Oral contraceptive pills are often prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen effects (acne, excess hair) in women not trying to conceive. Metformin, a diabetes medication, helps manage insulin resistance and can restore ovulation in some PCOS women. Anti-androgen medications such as spironolactone may be used to manage hirsutism and acne.
3. Ovulation Induction (for Women Trying to Conceive)
Letrozole (Femara) is the current first-line treatment for ovulation induction in PCOS and is more effective than the older Clomiphene Citrate. Under careful monitoring with blood tests and ultrasound, ovulation is stimulated so that a well-timed natural conception or IUI can be attempted.
4. IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
When ovulation induction alone has not resulted in pregnancy, IUI may be the next step. Prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, increasing the chance of fertilisation. IUI is a less invasive and lower-cost option before proceeding to IVF.
5. IVF for PCOS in Bangalore
IVF is recommended when other treatments have not succeeded, when fallopian tube issues are present, or when there is a male factor involved. For PCOS patients at Janisthaa IVF, the protocol is specifically designed with OHSS prevention in mind. A freeze-all strategy (freezing all embryos for transfer in a subsequent cycle) is often used in high-responders to further reduce OHSS risk.
PCOS Treatment Cost in Bangalore 2026
| Treatment | Approximate Cost (INR) | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| Lifestyle programme + medications (per month) | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 | All PCOS patients, first-line treatment |
| Ovulation Induction (per cycle) | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 | Women trying to conceive with irregular periods |
| IUI with PCOS (per cycle) | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 | Women with patent tubes, mild male factor |
| IVF with PCOS (per cycle) | ₹90,000 – ₹1,60,000 | Failed ovulation induction/IUI, tubal issues, male factor |
| Comprehensive fertility evaluation | ₹5,000 – ₹12,000 | All new patients (includes ultrasound, hormonal profile) |
Costs are approximate and vary based on individual evaluation, medication response, and treatment cycles required. Contact Janisthaa IVF Center Bangalore for a personalised cost estimate.
PCOS Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid
Diet is one of the most powerful levers for managing PCOS. The goal is to keep blood sugar and insulin levels stable, which in turn reduces androgen production by the ovaries.
Foods to Eat More Of:
- Low-GI grains: millets (ragi, jowar, bajra), oats, brown rice, quinoa
- Lean protein: dal, legumes, eggs, paneer, fish, chicken
- Vegetables: especially leafy greens, bitter gourd, broccoli, cauliflower
- Healthy fats: nuts, seeds, avocado, coconut oil in moderation
- Anti-inflammatory foods: turmeric (haldi), berries, green tea, fatty fish rich in omega-3
Foods to Limit or Avoid:
- White rice, white bread, maida-based foods (high glycaemic index)
- Sugary drinks, packaged fruit juices, sodas
- Processed and ultra-processed foods
- Fried foods high in trans fats
- Excess dairy (some research links to increased androgen levels)
Does PCOS Affect Women After Menopause?
PCOS does not disappear at menopause. While menstrual irregularities resolve, other manifestations — including metabolic syndrome, elevated cardiovascular risk, and in some women, persistent facial hair — can continue or worsen. Postmenopausal women with a history of PCOS should be monitored regularly for blood glucose, lipid levels, and blood pressure.
Why Choose Janisthaa IVF Center for PCOS Treatment in Bangalore?
At Janisthaa IVF Center, we understand that PCOS is not just a fertility problem — it is a whole-body hormonal condition that affects your quality of life, your long-term health, and your path to parenthood. Dr. Shwetha Y Baratikkae brings over 15 years of experience in managing complex PCOS cases, including women with insulin-resistant PCOS, lean PCOS, and PCOS with recurrent miscarriage.
Our approach is always personalised: your PCOS presentation, your fertility goals, your weight, your insulin levels, and your emotional readiness all inform the treatment plan we create together. We do not apply a one-size-fits-all protocol to any patient.
We have three PCOS treatment and IVF centres across Bangalore: Basaveshwar Nagar, RR Nagar, and Malleshwaram.
Book a consultation with Dr. Shwetha today and take the first step toward managing your PCOS and achieving your health and fertility goals.
