Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting 1 in 5 women. 3

What are the symptoms?

  • Irregular periods
  • Pimples and oily skin
  • Increased hair growth on face, stomach and back
  • Thinning of hair on scalp
  • Easy weight gain
  • Difficulty conceiving

What causes PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is more common in women of certain ethnic groups such as Indigenous, Asian, and North African. Lifestyle factors that increase weight increases the likelihood of developing the condition.

In PCOS two hormones are produced in higher levels: male type hormones known as testosterone and androgens as well as insulin. In PCOS many people have insulin resistance where the cells won’t let insulin work properly resulting in high levels of insulin. Higher insulin levels may increase appetite and increase the likelihood of weight gain and also to the development of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

The investigations will be based on the presenting symptoms which may include blood tests for hormones, blood sugar and cholesterol as well as a pelvic ultrasound.

Two out of the following 3 criteria are needed for the diagnosis of PCOS

  1. Irregular periods (more or less often)
  2. Signs of increased male type hormones (acne, increased body hair) and/or increased male hormones levels on blood test
  3. On ultrasound the ovaries contain many under-developed eggs

How is PCOS managed?

Lifestyle management with eating a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise is important. Losing as little as 5 – 10% weight may help regulate menstrual cycle and prevent long-term complications such as diabetes and heart disease.

Treatment is dependent on the presenting symptom(s). Commonly the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is used which does not cure PCOS but may help many of its symptoms such as irregular periods, acne and facial hair. Metformin is a medication used to treat diabetes that can also be used to regulate menstrual cycle, lose weight and improve fertility.

Useful link
3 https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/pcos