Polycystic ovary syndrome, shortened as PCOS,is a common medical condition that affects the ovaries, making them produce abnormal androgen levels. Androgen is a male sex hormone, but it is present in women ina small amount.
This condition is referred to as polycystic ovary syndrome because several small cysts, usually fluid-filled sacs, develop in the ovaries. Some women with PCOS do not have cysts, but others without the condition may develop cysts.
Usually, ovulation occurs when the ovary releases a mature egg so that the sperm can fertilise it. If no sperm fertilises the egg, the body gets rid of the egg during menstruation. Sometimes, the woman may not produce sufficient hormones needed for ovulation to occur, so the ovaries develop several small cysts.
The cysts produce the hormone called androgen, making women with PCOS have abnormally high levels of androgens. It may lead to problems in the woman’s menstrual cycle, leading to common PCOS symptoms.
Although PCOS has no cure, the doctor can administer medication to prevent other health problems and minimise the symptoms.
What causes PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)?
Medical professionals have not been able to identify the exact cause of PCOS. However, most women suffering from pcos also have insulin resistance, a condition characterised by the inability of the body to use insulin properly, leading to the build-up of insulin. The high levels of insulin may lead to higher androgen levels.
Obesity increases the risk of having higher levels of insulin and makes PCOS symptoms work. PCOS may also occur due to genetics, as sisters or a mother and daughter can suffer from the condition.
What are the risks of PCOS?
Your risk of developing PCOS is more if your sister or mother has this medical condition. Being obese and having insulin resistance also increases the risk of having PCOS.
What are PCOS symptoms?
Common symptoms of PCOS include:
- Very light, missed or irregular periods
- Excess body hair, including in the back, stomach, and chest
- Oily skin or acne
- Thinning hair or male-pattern baldness
- Large ovaries or ovaries with several cysts
- Weight gain, especially on the abdomen
- Infertility
- Thick or dark skin patches in the armpits, back of the neck and under the breasts
- Excess skin on the armpits or neck
Diagnosis of PCOS
You would have to visit the hospital or clinic to get an accurate diagnosis. The healthcare professional will ask questions concerning your symptoms and medical history and perform a pelvic exam. The exam aims to check your reproductive health, including the organs inside and outside the body.
In some cases, PCOS symptoms occur from other health problems, so your doctor may recommend the following:
- Ultrasound
This examination involves using sound waves and a computer to create images of the organs, tissues, and blood vessels. The ultrasound will check the size of the ovaries to see if cysts are present. It also checks the thickness of the endometrium (lining of the uterus).
- Blood tests
The blood test checks for high levels of androgen and other hormones in the blood. You may also get a blood glucose test, triglyceride and cholesterol test.
Treatment of PCOS
Treating PCOS usually depends on several factors, including the patient’s age, overall health condition, and severity. Treatment may also depend on whether the patient wants to get pregnant in the future or not.
If you intend to get pregnant in the future, treatment may include:
- Change in lifestyle and diet
Changing your lifestyle to accommodate more physical activity and a healthier diet can help in losing weight and reducing pcos symptoms. A healthy diet and more physical activities can also help the body use insulin properly, lower your blood glucose level and cause ovulation.
- Taking medication that helps ovulation
Some medications help the ovaries to release eggs. However, the medication may cause certain risks, increase the chances of multiple births and cause ovarian hyperstimulation, where the ovaries release excess hormones. The medication may also cause pelvic pain and abdominal bloating.
If you don’t want to get pregnant, the treatment may involve the following:
- Diabetes medication
It can help lower insulin resistance, reduce androgen levels, make ovulation occur regularly and slow hair growth.
- Birth control pills
They help control menstrual cycles, reduce acne, and lower androgen levels.
- Change in activity and diet
Engaging in more physical activities and having a healthy diet can help in weight loss and reduce symptoms. These changes can lower blood sugar, help ovulation and aid the use of insulin.
- Medications for other symptoms
Your doctor may recommend some medication to reduce acne and hair growth.
PCOS complications
Women suffering from PCOS are at a higher risk of developing some serious health problems like type ii diabetes, uterine cancer, high blood pressure, and problems with the blood vessels and heart. PCOS may also cause fertility issues, preventing the woman from getting pregnant.
Living with PCOS
Some women with PCOS suffer from physical symptoms like acne, excessive hair growth, and weight gain. Cosmetic treatments like laser hair removal and electrolysis can improve your appearance, and you can discuss ways to manage other symptoms with your healthcare provider.
When to seek medical care
If you experience excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain, irregular or missed period, contact your doctor or schedule a visit to your nearest private gynaecologist.
Getting the most out of your visit to the gynaecologist
The following should help you get the most out of your visit to the gynaecologist:
- Write down your questions before your visit
- Take someone along to the appointment to assist you in asking questions and remind you of the gynaecologist’s advice
- Write down the date, time and purpose of your follow-up appointment
- Write down the names of treatments, tests, and medicines needed – don’t forget to write down the new instructions
If you are residing in London and experience PCOS symptoms, schedule an appointment at Gynaecology clinic today to have an experienced gynaecologist examine you and provide the right treatments if necessary. Call 020 7183 0435 now to book an appointment with our gynaecologist.
