Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting many women in Anguilla and in many other countries. It is thought that around 1 in 10 women have PCOS. Fortunately, treatment options are now available for this disorder.
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), formerly known as the Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a disorder that can cause period problems, reduced fertility, excess hair growth, and acne. Many women with PCOS are also overweight.
The three main features of the condition are:
• cysts that develop in your ovaries (polycystic ovaries)
• your ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulate)
• having high levels of “male hormones” called androgens in your body
You will usually be diagnosed with PCOS if you have at least two of these features.
What are polycystic ovaries?
Polycystic ovaries contain a large number of harmless cysts up to 8 mm in size. The cysts are underdeveloped sacs in which eggs develop. Often, in PCOS, these sacs are unable to release an egg, meaning ovulation does not take place. It is this that makes pregnancy more difficult in individuals with PCOS.
What are some signs and symptoms of PCOS?
Approximately 50 percent of women who have this disorder do not have any signs or symptoms. Symptoms of PCOS usually become apparent during your late teens or early twenties. They can include the following:
• irregular periods or no periods at all
• difficulty getting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate)
• excessive hair growth (hirsutism) – usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks
• weight gain
• thinning hair and hair loss from the head
• oily skin or acne
Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with an increased risk of problems in later life, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels.
You should speak to your gynaecologist if you think you might have PCOS.
What causes PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it often runs in families.
The condition is associated with abnormal hormone levels in the body, including having high levels of insulin.
Insulin is a hormone that controls sugar levels in the body. Many women with PCOS have too much insulin, in their body, which contributes to the increased production and activity of hormones such as testosterone. Being overweight increases the amount of insulin your body produces.
Treatment
There is no cure for PCOS, but the symptoms can be treated.
Treatment includes weight loss (if you are overweight), and lifestyle changes in addition to treating the individual symptoms.
Medications are also available to treat symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular periods and fertility problems.
If fertility medications are ineffective, a simple surgical procedure is recommended. With treatment, most women with PCOS are able to get pregnant.
Conclusion
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common disorder affecting many women. It results in a woman’s hormones becoming out of balance. It can cause problems with menstrual periods and make it difficult for women to get pregnant. Early diagnosis and treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent long-term problems. If you suspect that you have PCOS you should see your gynaecologist.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
