Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder found in women between late adolescence and menopause. While PCOS is common in women of reproductive age, PCOS affects every woman differently and can often go unnoticed. We can help manage your symptoms and treatment depending on how PCOS affects you.
What causes PCOS?
The word polycystic means many cysts. In PCOS, you could have multiple partially formed follicles on the ovaries which each contain an egg. These follicles often do not grow to full maturity or produce eggs that are able to be fertilised. This is why some women who have PCOS also have problems with fertility.
Interestingly, you do not need to have multiple cysts in your ovaries to have PCOS. You can also have multiple cysts in your ovaries but not have the syndrome. As such, diagnosing PCOS is not always straight forward and it is usually a diagnosis of exclusion.
Although we aren’t sure of the exact cause of PCOS, women with the condition often have either high levels of insulin or androgens (male hormones) or both. Some other things that influence whether you develop PCOS include:
A family history of PCOS – your risk may be higher if you have a mother, sister, or aunt with PCOS.
Lifestyle factors – your risk of PCOS may be higher if you have obesity.
Your hormone levels – your risk of PCOS increases if your body produces higher than normal amounts of male hormones.
How do I know if I have PCOS?
Changing hormone levels can contribute to different symptoms. As these often go unnoticed (or are simply tolerated in women who have PCOS), it’s reported that only 30 per cent of PCOS cases are ever diagnosed. Despite this, there are a few main symptoms that may indicate that you have PCOS. These include:
Polycystic ovaries (many small cysts on the ovaries) visible on an ultrasound
Irregular or non-existent periods
Acne, excess facial or body hair, or hair loss
High levels of androgens (testosterone and similar hormones) found in blood tests
Can I treat my PCOS without medication?
PCOS is a long-term condition and having an endocrinologist involved in your treatment and ongoing management can minimise health problems associated with PCOS. Depending on your symptoms, treatment can include:
Adjusting your lifestyle (like increasing exercise and eating a healthy diet)
Weight loss (if you are overweight)
Medical treatment including hormones or medication
PCOS is linked to obesity. Research has shown that losing even a small amount of weight can provide significant health benefits to women with PCOS. Find out more about our weight management programs. [LINK TO PAGE ON WEIGHT AND METABOLIC SYNDROME]
What types of medicines help treat PCOS?
Because the symptoms, causes and effects of PCOS may affect women differently, the treatment for PCOS varies between patients. We will ensure that your treatment is carefully considered to suit your circumstances. Some common treatments include:
Hormonal birth control – including the pill, hormone intrauterine device (IUD) or other hormonal birth control method to regulate your cycle, lower your risk of endometrial cancer and help to reduce physical symptoms such as acne and facial or body hair.
Anti-androgen medicines – these can reduce the effects of androgens and reduce physical symptoms such as acne, hair loss and facial or body hair growth.
Metformin – most commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, this medication works by improving insulin's ability to lower your blood sugar and in some cases assist with fertility.
If I have PCOS, can I still have a baby?
Yes but you may need help to fall pregnant. PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women because the hormonal imbalance interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries. PCOS can also cause complications for you and your baby, like higher rates of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Your endocrinologist will be an important part of your obstetric care team and will monitor you closely if you do fall pregnant.
Will my PCOS go away as I get older?
Many women with PCOS find that their cycles become more regular as they get older but their hormonal imbalance does not change. You may continue to have symptoms of PCOS as you get closer to menopause. Other PCOS-related health problems (eg diabetes, stroke and heart attack) also increase with age and the risk of developing these diseases may be higher in women with PCOS.
The team at South Sydney Medical Specialists can work on a treatment plan tailored specifically for your symptoms and any health, lifestyle and fertility goals you may have. We can support you to develop good eating habits, stay healthy and active, and manage your weight so you can feel better living with PCOS.