Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age.

PCOS is a condition with three main characteristics:

1. Irregular menstrual periods.
2. Excess androgen hormones (male hormones).
3. Polycystic ovaries - ovaries are enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs. Contrary to the name, a woman does not actually have cysts if she has PCOS.

Risk factors of PCOS

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is believed to be related to hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, and insulin resistance.

A woman is at higher risk of developing PCOS due to the following factors:

• Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance refers to a condition in which the body's tissues exhibit resistance to the effects of insulin. Therefore, the body necessitates the production of additional insulin to compensate.

• Hormone imbalance: Raised levels of testosterone and luteinising hormone (LH).

• Genetics: If a close relative, such as your mother, sister, or aunt, has PCOS, your likelihood of developing it is often increased.

Symptoms of PCOS

If you think you might have PCOS, you should talk to your doctor. Symptoms that might highlight PCOS include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles: Irregular cycles of fewer than six to eight menstrual periods a year
• Acne
• Excess facial and body hair growth (hirsutism)
• Weight gain
• Patches of thickened, velvety, and darkened skin (acanthosis nigricans)
• Sleep apnoea
• Infertility (difficulty getting pregnant)

• Depression and anxiety
• Eating disorders such as bulimia and binge eating
• Sexual dysfunction

Diagnosis of PCOS

The diagnosis of PCOS is typically suspected in women who present with irregular menstrual cycle and symptoms of hyperandrogenism (elevated androgen levels) such as acne, hirsutism, and female pattern hair loss.

Your doctor may recommend hormone and/or blood tests to rule out other hormone-related conditions. Additionally, you may need an ultrasound scan to help diagnose PCOS.

Treatment options for PCOS

PCOS cannot be cured, but the symptoms are treatable. The treatment options may vary as individuals with PCOS can present with a diverse array of symptoms.

1. Lifestyle changes:
   • Exercise regularly.
   • Maintain a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, whole foods, fish, chicken and lean meat.
   • Losing weight is one of the most effective methods for managing insulin abnormalities, irregular menstrual cycles, and other PCOS symptoms in women who are overweight or obese.
2. Medications:
   • Oral contraceptive pills to regulate menstrual periods and treat hirsutism (excess facial and body hair growth).
   • Progestin also helps treat menstrual irregularity.
3. Fertility treatments:
   • Clomiphene stimulates ovaries to release one or more eggs.
   • If you have PCOS and medications are unable to help you conceive, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment may be recommended.
   • Eggs are extracted from the follicles and fertilised outside the uterus. The fertilised egg or eggs are subsequently re-implanted in the uterus. There is a higher probability of having twins or triplets with IVF.

Make an appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

If you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms of PCOS, get in touch with us to find out more about our Obstetrics & Gynaecology Services at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital.