Other Information
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disturbance among women in the reproductive age group. It is the leading cause of infertility due to lack of ovulation. Although PCOS is treatable, it cannot be cured.
PCOS Symptoms can include:
- irregular periods or lack of periods
- irregular ovulation or no ovulation
- reduced fertility; difficulty in becoming pregnant
- recurrent miscarriages
- unwanted facial and or body hair (hirsutism)
- oily skin, acne
- being overweight, rapid weight gain; difficulty in losing weight
The condition has long-term health implications as women with PCOS may have an increased risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.
PCOS affects women in different ways and not all women will have all the symptoms. Some women may only have a couple of mild symptoms, whilst others may exhibit a wider range of symptoms more severely. Some women may not be aware that they have PCOS until they initiate investigation for infertility.
PCOS may diagnosed on ultrasound scan where the ovaries show ………… Biochemical tests may show an abnormal ratio of LH(luteinising hormone): FSH(follicle stimulating). However the overall clinical picture will be taken into account.
If a diagnosis of PCOS is made the treatment will vary depending on the symptoms or presenting clinical condition.
- In women who are overweight an underlying insulin resistance can make weight loss more difficult. Metformin helps in improving insulin resistance. Combined with a low GI diet a reduction in BMI can be achieved. Orlistat or Reductil are medications which can be used as part of a weight management programme which being overseen by a medical practitioner.
Lifestyle changes such as exercise is also invaluable.
- Statins may be prescribed to be improve lipids.
- Periods may be regulated by using oral contraceptive pills which contain anti-androgens. This treatment option may also be used for acne or facial hair.
- Vaniqa cream is applied topically for treatment of facial hair. However such treatments must be used for a prolonged period. Excess facial or body hair may also be treated with laser, bleaching or depilatory creams.
- Fertility problems are treated with medications such as Clomiphene. However research has demonstrated that women who take Metformin have a improved response to fertility medications. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling may undertaken and IVF would a further treatment option for management of PCOS.
Women with PCOS have an increased risk of Diabetes in pregnancy. Endeavouring to avoid excessive weight gain is important in pregnancy.
The main long-term health risks to be aware of with PCOS are endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb lining) and type 2 diabetes and heart disease. For this reason weight reduction and exercises are crucial long term lifestyle changes.
Endometrial cancer develops over several years if the womb lining (endometrium) is not lost regularly. With periods every few weeks, your risk is low; if, however, you have less than two or three periods a year, there is an increased risk, which needs to be dealt with. Your doctor may prescribe a low-dose contraceptive pill or progesterone tablets every few months to bring on a period and clear the womb lining from your body. A Mirena IUS may be an appropriate alternative.
Type 2 diabetes is more common in women with PCOS than women without it. It occurs because there is too much sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream. Untreated, this causes damage to your organs. Many women with PCOS are insulin resistant, which means they are making a lot of insulin to keep their blood sugar down to a normal level. These high levels of insulin can lead to weight gain, irregular periods, infertility, higher levels of testosterone – many of the symptoms of PCOS – and a greater risk of diabetes. You can reduce this risk by improving your insulin resistance, which means getting fitter and losing weight – even small amounts of weight loss can help. Your GP should check for early signs of diabetes, perhaps on a yearly basis. This is particularly important if you are overweight or have diabetes in your family. You may also be prescribed an insulin-sensitising medication such as metformin.
Heart disease is another long-term health risk with PCOS. Women with PCOS, especially if they are overweight, can have unhealthy amounts of fats in their bloodstream, which may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. It makes sense to have your fasting blood-fat levels checked so that if they are high you can improve your diet and fitness to reduce them. If you are a smoker, it is vital that you stop. Your GP may treat you with statins to lower your blood-fat levels.
Further information: www.pcos-verity.co.uk |
