Polycstitic Ovary Syndrome FAQ's

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition and affects approximately 7 in 100 women.

• Irregular, infrequent periods or no periods at all
• Infertility (due to irregular or no ovulation)
• Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) on the face, chest or back
• Weight gain
• Hair loss from the head
• Oily skin or acne

Any two out the following three features would be diagnostic.

1. Ovaries have many (more than 12) tiny cysts:  Ovarian cysts are small blister-like-lumps (about 5-8 mm) that form on the surface of the ovaries. Women produce an egg every month and these eggs, if not released, may be retained as small cysts. This is usually seen on an ultrasound scan. Polycystic appearance of ovaries is seen on ultrasound scan in 22% of women but only a few of these women will have the “syndrome”.

2. Hormonal imbalance (Hyperandrogenism):  Ovaries produce the “female” hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone and also very small amount of the “male” hormone, testosterone. When the level of testosterone in the blood goes over a certain level, it can cause some of the common symptoms of PCOS like acne and unwanted hair growth.

3. Failure to ovulate every month (anovulation) leading to infrequent or absent periods:  Oligomenorhoea means less than six periods in a year and amenorrhoea means no periods at all.

Although around 60% of women with PCOS achieve spontaneous pregnancy without any medical help, some women can struggle with ovulation and may need help. Usually this is quite simple in the form of medication and scans.

1. Stay slim through a combination of regular exercise and diet (see advice from Laura Southern our nutritional therapist) Metformin a drug used to treat very early diabetes can also help with carbohydrate metabolism and losing weight.
2. Treatment of PCOS depends on symptoms and whether you are trying for a family or not. The easiest way of controlling PCOS is to go on the combined pill (such as Yasmin or Zoely) which prevents recruitment of new egg-follicles and stops the problem from getting worse.
3. Obviously the contraceptive pill is not an option if you are trying for a family. If you have been trying for longer than six to twelve months you may need ovulation induction tablets such as Clomiphene and serial scans.
4. Treatment of unwanted hair can be either cosmetic or through medication.
5. Lifestyle management: to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in later life.

Nutritional therapist, Laura Southern says “a healthy eating plan can help manage and alleviate some PCOS symptoms. The right diet will have a positive impact on blood sugar and insulin management, as well as helping with cell sensitivity and hormone balance.” For more information on nutritional services for PCOS, please visit PCOS Nutrition.