Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - PCOS

What is PCOS?

PCOS is an endocrine disorder. 5-10% of women of childbearing age have PCOS.

A family history of PCOS increases your risk.

Overweight women are at higher risk of PCOS, and obesity is a symptom of PCOS. Being overweight also worsens the symptoms of PCOS.

In PCOS there are high levels of androgens. This hormone imbalance prevents the proper maturation of eggs. Thus PCOS is a leading cause of infertility.

Diagnosis of PCOS

There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Physical examination medical history and tests.

  • Physical examination. Blood pressure. Body mass index(BMI) and waist size. Exam for excess hair growth on face, chest, back and acne.

  • Pelvic exam.

  • Pelvic ultrasound scan.

  • Blood tests – including androgen levels.

Symptoms of PCOS

  • Unpredictable and/or irregular periods.

  • Severe acne

  • Oily skin

  • Male pattern hair loss or baldness

  • Severe weight gain – affects 80% of women with PCOS.

  • Infertility

Management of PCOS

This will depend on your symptoms, your medical history and your desire to become pregnant.

Combined oral contraceptive pills

These pills contain oestrogen and a progestogen which help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce androgen. They can also decrease body hair and acne. This treatment can be used long-term for patients who no longer wish to become pregnant.

Weight loss

Healthy eating habits and regular exercise can help reduce PCOS-related symptoms. This plays a central role in the management of PCOS.

Insulin-sensitising drugs

These drugs are used to treat patients with diabetes, and they can help patients with PCOS by facilitating the body’s response to insulin. They also help start ovulation by reducing androgens, and they help regulate the menstrual cycle.

Ovulation induction

Some patients with PCOS may have difficulty getting pregnant, and may require ovulation induction with medication like clomiphene.

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