1. COMMON MYTHS &
MISCONCEPTIONS IN for
Dr Sharda Jain
PCOD
आम PUBLIC क
े लिए

2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that
affects people with ovaries, often during their reproductive years.
It is characterized by a range of symptoms and can vary greatly from person
to person.
There are several myths and misconceptions associated with PCOS, which
can contribute to misunderstanding and stigma.
Here are some of the common myths and misconceptions:

3. PCOS is solely a fertility issue
Myth 1
NO

4. Fact
While PCOS can affect fertility, it is not
solely a fertility problem.
It is a complex hormonal disorder that can
also lead to various other health issues,
including irregular periods, insulin
resistance, weight gain, and increased risk
of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and
mental health concerns.

5. Myth 2
PCOS patients always have
irregular menstrual cycle
Not
True

6. Fact
• Only 50 % PCOS patients have
irregular periods
• But uterine fibroids ,thyroid
issues ,harmonal imbalance
,stress are other causes of
irregular periods

7. Myth 3
All people with PCOS have cysts
on their ovaries
Not
True

8. Fact
The presence of cysts on the ovaries is just one of
the diagnostic criteria for PCOS, but not all
individuals with PCOS have visible cysts.
Diagnosis is typically based on a combination of
symptoms, hormonal imbalances, and ultrasound
findings.
Many patients may have ovarian cysts but do not
have PCOS

10. Myth 4
PCOS only affects overweight
individuals.
Not
True

11. Fact
While obesity is a common risk
factor and symptom of PCOS, it can
affect individuals of all body types.
Thin or normal-weight individuals
can have PCOS

12. Myth 5
PCOS is a rare condition.
NO

13. Fact
COS is actually quite common and is
estimated to affect around 10-15
% of women Globally
in reproductive age.
In India nearly 35 % adolescents suffer
from PCOS, showing
It is one of the most common
hormonal disorders in females in
INDIA.

14. Myth 6
PCOS is caused by DIABETES
BIG NO

15. FACT
No doubt patient of PCOS are
obese / over weight & have insulin
resistance  significant number of
PCOS patient can have associated
diabetes but reverse is not true

16. Myth 7
PCOS has nothing to do with pregnancy
Not
True

17. FACT
NEARLY 50% PATIENTS PRESENT
PROBLEM OF INFERTILITY .
Once they become pregnant they
have specific pregnancy problems
Eg. Gestation Diabetes, PET

18. Myth 8
PCOS IS SELF DIAGNOSIS
Not
True

19. FACT
• 2/3 FEATURES HAVE TO BE PRESENT
• ANOULATON & DELAYED PERIODS
• HYPERANDRONISM FEATURES CLINICAL
(HIRSUITISM ,ACNE, MALE TYPE OF HAIR
LOSS ) / BIOCHEMICAL
• ULTRASOUND FEATURES
• NO DOUBT WHEN PATIENT HAS ABNORMAL
FEATUESSHE CONSULTS GYNAECOLOGIST

20. Myth 9
PCOS with acne & hirsuitism do not
have menstrual problem
No

21. FACT
• PCOS IS SYNDROME - VARIETY OF
SYMPTOMS THEY CAN HAVE
• IT IS USUAL FOR PT WITH HIRSUITISM
TO HAVE MENTRUAL PROBLAMS
LIKE LONG AMENORRHOEA / DELAYED
/ HEAVY CONTINIOS BLEEDING

22. Myth 10
PCOS can be cured.

23. Fact
PCOS is a chronic condition & Lifestyle
problem that cannot be completely
cured, but its symptoms can be
managed through lifestyle changes,
medication, and medical interventions.
Management of infertility is easier once
they have 10% weight loss

24. Myth 11
PCOS does not cause long term problem of heart
attacks ,stroke . why such hype of PCOS??

25. FACT
• OBESE PCOS PATIENTS CAN
PRECIPITATE  EMERGENCY SITUATION
LIKE HEART ATTACK & EVEN STROKE IN
YOUNG WOMEN WITH MORID OBESITY.
• IT CAN EFFECT LIVER AS WELL CAUSING
FATTY LIVER OF VARYING GRADES . WE
HAVE NON ALCOHOLIC CIRRHOSIS IN
YOUNH GIRLS WITH INFERTILITY

26. Myth 12
Birth control pills are the only treatment
option for PCOS.

27. Fact
Birth control pills can help regulate menstrual
cycles and manage some PCOS symptoms, but
there are other treatment options available,
including
lifestyle changes (diet and exercise),
insulin-sensitizing medications,
fertility treatments if pregnancy is desired.

28. Myth 13
PCOS is not a serious health condition

29. Fact
PCOS is associated with various health risks,
including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes,
cardiovascular disease,
endometrial cancer,
mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
It should be taken seriously and managed
appropriately.

30. Myth 14
All PCOS symptoms are the same for everyone.
NO

31. Fact
PCOS symptoms can vary widely from person
to person.
Some may experience irregular periods (
DELAYED Periods ),
while others may have excessive hair growth or
acne.
0-50% present with infertility .
It's important to tailor treatment plans to
individual needs.

32. Myth 15
PCOS patients do not require birth control measures as
they do not get pregnant without doctor medicines ?
NOT
TRUE

33. FACT
• ALL CYCLES RE NOT
ANOVULATORY
• SO IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO
BECOME PREGNANT & HAVE
UNWANTED PREGNANCY 
USE CONTRACEPTIVES .

34. It's crucial to seek medical advice and diagnosis from a
healthcare professional if you suspect you have PCOS or
are experiencing related symptoms.
Proper diagnosis and management are essential for
addressing the condition and its potential health
implications

35. 1. Fondly known as Teacher of Teachers
2. Director Lifecare Centre & Lifecare IVF
3. Founder & Secretary general of Delhi Gynaecologist forum , a body of over 2500 members .
4. Founder & Chairperson of North India Gynaecologist forum (NIGF) , body cover 8 stats + 2 union territory  Delhi & Chandigarh
5. NMC / MCI : Ethical committee member ,an apex body of 14 lacs modern Medicine doctors since 2018 till date
6. Business World : Included her in Top 20 Most Influential women in Healthcare in INDIA (8/03/22)
7. DMC Expert since 2009 to till date
8. Passionate medical activist..has given leadership role in removing Female Feticide , Movement of Anemia, Save Uterus Campaign,
Save ovary Campaign and Every Mother Counts etc and now focusing on Zero mortality PPH, AMB , CCMB, Examination
of Survivor Sexual assault / rape & POCSO cases.
9. Given concept of JANANI SURAKSHA YOJNA & ASHA WORKER to GOI.
10. Spearheading movement of Doctors safety /Medico legal Awareness /Unity of North India Gynaecologists
11. Decorated with many Lifetime achievement & Living Legend Award from many bodies including LHMC AA, FOGSI ,DMA
,DGF , WOW India, Delhi ISAR, Cloudnine , Bharat Vishva parishad
Dr. Sharda Jain
M.D. (PGIMER), MNAMS,FICOG,FIMSA,DHM,
QM &AHO
PGDMLS (SYMBIOSIS)