What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS have an imbalance of reproductive hormones which creates problems in the ovaries. The 3 main features of PCOS are:
- irregular periods - which means your ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulation)
- excess androgen - a high level of "male" hormones in the body, which may cause physical signs such as excess facial or body hair
- polycystic ovaries - your ovaries become dilated and contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs (however, even with the name, you do not actually have cysts if you have PCOS)
If you have at least two of these features, you may be diagnosed with PCOS.
Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS signs and symptoms usually will become apparent during the late teens or early 20s. They may include:
- irregular periods or no periods at all
- excessive hair growth (hirsutism) normally on the face, chest, back, or buttocks
- weight gain
- difficulty getting pregnant due to irregular ovulation or no ovulation
- thinning hair and hair loss on the scalp; male pattern baldness
- darkening of the skin, especially along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath the breasts
- oily skin or acne on the face, chest, and upper back
- skin tags which are small excess flaps of skin in the neck area or armpits
Causes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
The real cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is often hereditary. Most experts think that several factors, including genetics, play a role.
- high levels of androgens or "male hormones" - all women do make small amounts of androgens, however, women with PCOS have more androgens than normal. The higher level of androgens in women can prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) during each menstrual cycle and can cause additional hair growth and acne.
- high levels of insulin (a hormone that controls sugar levels in the body) - many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which means the body's cells do not respond normally to insulin, producing higher levels of insulin than normal to overcome this. Being overweight or obese also increases the amount of insulin the body produces.
Treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
There is no cure for PCOS, but the symptoms can be managed. Do consult a doctor if you think you may have the condition. Many women will need a combination of treatments, including:
- losing weight if you are overweight - eat a healthy, balanced diet and perform regular physical activity
- get medicines to treat excessive hair growth, irregular periods, and fertility problems
Pregnancy with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Having PCOS does not mean you can't get pregnant. Do consult a doctor about ways to help you ovulate and raise the chance to get pregnant. There are a few ways to help your chances of getting pregnant if you have PCOS:
- losing weight - if you are overweight or obese, shedding some weight through exercising regularly and healthy eating habits can help make your menstrual cycle more regular and improve fertility.
- medicine - your doctor may prescribe medicine to help you ovulate, such as clomiphene (Clomid)
- in vitro fertilization (IVF) - IVF may be an option if medicine does not work. Compared to medicine, IVF has higher pregnancy rates.
- surgery - an option when everything else does not work. Ovarian drilling is a surgery where a few holes are made in the surface of the ovary using lasers or a fine needle heated with electricity. Surgery will restore ovulation, but for only 6 to 8 months.
If the condition is not managed properly, PCOS can cause problems during pregnancy for you and your baby. Women with PCOS have higher rates of:
- miscarriage
- gestational diabetes
- preeclampsia
- have a baby with a higher risk of being heavy (macrosomia)
