Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects around one in five women during their lives and is the most common hormonal disturbance among premenopausal women. It is the leading cause of infertility due to lack of ovulation, and it can cause an increased risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.
PCOS is associated with insulin resistance and high levels of insulin circulating in the blood. Obesity adds to these problems. It is estimated that as many as 10 per cent of women who are obese and have PCOS develop Type 2 diabetes by the age of 40. A higher proportion develops impaired glucose tolerance by this age. The risk of developing diabetes can be greatly reduced through good nutrition and regular physical activity. This is particularly important in women who are overweight or those with a family history of diabetes and heart disease.
Symptoms of PCOS can include:
- Irregular or lack of periods
- Irregular or no ovulation
- Reduced fertility
- Unwanted facial and/or body hair (hirsutism)
- Acne
- Being overweight/rapid weight gain
- Difficulty in losing weight.
PCOS is treatable but cannot be cured. Treatment will depend on the nature of the symptoms:
- Diet and physical activity. There is strong evidence that weight loss results in a marked improvement in the symptoms associated with PCOS. Weight loss will also improve blood glucose control and reduces the risk of heart disease.
- There are treatments available to help stimulate a period. This can help if you are trying to conceive.
- The drug metformin, often prescribed to people with Type 2 diabetes but offers many more added benefits to women with PCOS. It can increase insulin sensitivity, decrease body mass index, decrease the release of male hormones and make periods more frequent and regular by improving ovulation. If you are being treated for diabetes and are then diagnosed with PCOS, consult your healthcare team about whether or not metformin is suitable for you.
- Creams and lotions are available for acne.
- The various methods of removing unwanted hair include: shaving, waxing, plucking, depilatory creams, bleaching, sugaring, electrolysis, laser treatment and newer treatments using pulsed light.
- For women with more severe acne or unwanted hair or women with thinning scalp hair, a combine oral contraceptive pill may be prescribed.
Good nutrition and physical activity are extremely important for all women with PCOS, regardless of their weight, as these measures help to lower blood glucose levels.
Further information
Verity is a self-help group for women with PCOS. Visit their website or write to Verity, Unit AS20.01, The Aberdeen Centre, 22-24 Highbury Grove, London N5 2EA