Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It's characterised by a cluster of symptoms, including irregular periods, androgen excess (elevated male hormones), and the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries.
Features of PCOS
- Irregular or Missed Periods: The ovaries might not release an egg every month (ovulate), leading to infrequent or absent periods.
- Androgen Excess: Symptoms like excess hair growth (hirsutism), acne, male pattern baldness, and oily skin can occur due to elevated androgen levels.
- Ovarian Cysts: Multiple small fluid-filled sacs develop on the ovaries, though they don't typically cause pain and aren't true cysts.
Potential Symptoms
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Insulin resistance or pre-diabetes/type 2 diabetes
- Sleep apnoea
- Mood swings and anxiety
- Skin pigmentation
Causes and Diagnosis
The exact cause of PCOS remains unknown, although genetic and environmental factors likely play a role.
Diagnosis usually involves a combination of factors:
- Medical history and symptom assessment
- Physical examination
- Blood tests to assess hormone levels and insulin resistance
- Pelvic ultrasound to confirm the presence of ovarian cysts
Impact on Fertility
PCOS is a leading cause of female infertility, affecting about 70% of women with the condition.
This is primarily due to:
- Ovulation irregularities: Infrequent or lack of ovulation makes it difficult to conceive naturally.
- Egg quality: The hormonal imbalance can affect egg development and maturation, potentially impacting egg quality and viability.
- Insulin resistance: High insulin levels can further disrupt ovulation and egg quality.
Conceiving with PCOS
Despite the challenges, many women with PCOS can get pregnant with various approaches:
- Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and potentially regulate ovulation.
- Ovulation induction medications: These medications stimulate the ovaries to ovulate regularly, increasing the chances of conception.
- Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): In some cases, fertility treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF) might be needed.
Managing PCOS
Living with PCOS involves managing symptoms and addressing potential health risks. Here are some important aspects:
- Regular check-ups: Consult your doctor for regular monitoring of PCOS and related conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly can improve symptoms and reduce long-term health risks.
- Managing insulin resistance: If diagnosed with insulin resistance, follow the doctor's recommendations for diet, exercise, and medications to manage it.
- Mental health support: Dealing with PCOS can be emotionally challenging. Seek professional help for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, if needed.
It's important to remember that PCOS is a manageable condition. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and self-care, women with PCOS can live fulfilling lives, manage their symptoms, and achieve their reproductive goals.