Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Health Concerns & Conditions

What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
This is another common condition affecting typical females of reproductive age. Polycystic ovaries contain a large number of harmless follicles, which are underdeveloped sacs in which eggs develop. If you have PCOS, these sacs are often unable to release an egg, which means ovulation does not take place.

It is characterised by suppression of ovulation, high androgen levels, and hirsutism (abnormal hair growth). Apart from increasing susceptibility to diabetes, the patient also has fertility problems and increased risk of endometrial cancer.

What causes PCOS?

  • Abnormal hormone levels in the body, including insulin.
  • Increased production and activity of hormones like testosterone.
  • Being overweight or obese increases the amount of insulin your body produces.


Symptoms
Symptoms of PCOS may become apparent during the late teens or early 20s. Symptoms may include:

  • Irregular periods or no periods at all.
  • Difficulty getting pregnant as a result of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate.
  • Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) – usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks.
  • Weight gain.
  • Thinning hair and hair loss from the head.
  • Oily skin or acne.
  • Type 2 Diabetes and high cholesterol (later on in life).


Treatment
Unfortunately, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can't be cured, although the symptoms can be treated and managed. There are various treatment options available, as someone suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience different symptoms. These include:

  • A change in lifestyle by opting to lose weight, exercising more.
  • Hormone treatment, including some types of the oral contraceptive pill or anti-androgen drugs which inhibit the effects of male hormones on the body.
  • Diabetes medication - metformin to increase the body's sensitivity to insulin.
  • Clomiphene - a fertility drug which corrects the hormone imbalance.