Health For Women - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Main Menu

Home

Healthy Lifestyles

Irritation of the Vulva

GPs and Health Professionals

Patient Information

Violence against women

Phytoestrogens & BC

Turner`s Syndrome

Fish and Fish Oils

Online Shop

Members Login

Home

Health Issues

PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Normal Ovary and Polycystic Ovary PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects five to 10 per cent of women of reproductive age.

If you have PCOS you may have:

Periods that are irregular, infrequent or heavy
Difficulty in becoming pregnant
Immature ovarian eggs that do not ovulate, forming small follicles
An increase of fat in your upper body
Excessive facial or body hair
Acne on both the face and the body
Prediabetes or diabetes
Higher levels of blood fats

Symptoms are exacerbated by excess body weight.

What causes PCOS?

While the causes of PCOS are not yet clear, recent studies show that both lifestyle and genetic factors can be involved.

What happens with PCOS?

Hormonal changes

In a normal menstrual cycle your hormones fluctuate, but with PCOS your body has an imbalance of hormones. This imbalance may prevent ovulation, which means the ovaries don’t release eggs.

The male-type hormones called androgens which include testosterone, are present in low levels in all women. Women with PCOS often have extra androgens in the blood, which can result in increased facial and body hair and acne.

Your body also usually develops resistance to the hormone insulin, which regulates sugar levels. This can lead to an increased risk of diabetes.

What are the long-term risks associated with PCOS?

Long-term complications can appear in women of all ages. Women with PCOS have an increased risk of:

Sub-fertility (reduced fertility)
Type 2 diabetes
Impaired glucose tolerance
High blood fats
Thickening of the lining of the uterus
Possibly heart disease

Fortunately, with early diagnosis and proper management, these long-term health risks can be prevented or delayed.

Management of PCOS

There is no single treatment for PCOS, but its symptoms can be managed in the following ways:

Education

It is important that all women with PCOS understand some key causes and vital treatments that are emerging from the latest research.

Psychological support

Symptoms including weight gain, hair growth and infertility can cause poor self esteem and depression. A positive frame of mind is critical to be able to change your lifestyle effectively. Seek help if needed.

Weight management

Weight management is really important for women with PCOS. Therefore, healthy eating and regular physical activity are vital. The important message is that small goals (e.g. five per cent weight loss) have big health benefits, no matter what the starting weight is. For more information and advice, talk to a health practitioner or dietitian. For more information see Healthy Eating and Physical Activity.

Management of irregular periods

Regular periods help prevent excessive thickening of the lining of the uterus. Long gaps between periods can lead to abnormal cells building up inside the womb and it is recommended that at least four cycles per year are needed to prevent this. Medications including a low-dose contraceptive pill, progesterone and metformin can be given so that menstrual bleeding occurs regularly. Speak to your doctor for more information.

Management of insulin resistance

Most people who are above their most healthy weight and have PCOS also have insulin resistance, although even thinner women with PCOS can be insulin resistant. Healthy eating and physical activity offer the best approach. Medications including metformin can also reduce insulin resistance, reduce hair growth, regulate periods and decrease the risk of diabetes. However, these medications need to be initiated under specialist endocrinology supervision.

Management of infertility

Firstly, it is important to consult your doctor to exclude other reasons for infertility. If infertility is a concern and you are above your most healthy weight, then weight management through healthy eating and phyiscal activity is the first line of treatment.

After this, medications may be used to start the release of eggs, including clomiphene and potentially metformin. While a surgical procedure can cause temporary ovulation, it is not often performed, as medications are as effective, with fewer complications.

Management of increased facial hair growth and acne

Contraceptives and anti-androgen drugs can be used for the treatment of acne and excess facial hair. Cosmetic advice on waxing and laser hair removal is best taken initially from dermatologists or endocrinologists rather than beauticians.

Finally

A diagnosis of PCOS is not the end of the world. With support and accurate health advice, it can be managed well and you can live a comfortable and fulfilling life.