Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

What Is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome occurs when fluid-filled sacs are found on the surface of the ovaries (polycystic ovaries). Around 5% of women in the UK are believed to have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

What Causes Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

The causes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are unknown, although it is believed to be genetic. The hormonal balance which regulates the activity of the body’s organs plays an important role. Luteinising hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland and testosterone, produced in the ovaries are often found in higher levels than normal. These inbalances are what cause the irregular menstrual cycle, the hirsutism and other symptoms.

The body’s response to insulin also plays a key role. Despite increased production of insulin, the amount of sugar in the blood remains high. Insulin resistance can lead to increased testosterone levels, which, in turn tends to promote obesity.

What Are The Symptoms?

Most women with polycystic ovarian syndrome start to notice problems in their late teens or twenties. Symptoms can include the following

• excessive body hair, also known as hirsutism developing on the face, chest, stomach, breasts, thumbs and toes
• alopecia
• dandruff
• obesity
• infrequent or absent periods
• infertility
• abdominal pain
• obesity or weight gain – often around the abdomen
• acne

What Impact Could Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Have On My Health?

• increased risk of stroke
• type 2 diabetes
• cancer of the womb

How Is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Diagnosed?

If the typical symptoms of PCOS have been identified, an ultrasound may be the next step. With sufferers of  PCOS, the ovaries appear enlarged or "polycystic", usually with 10 or more cysts, 6-8 mm in diameter, on the surface of the ovary. Affected ovaries are around three times larger than usual. Sometimes only one ovary may be affected.

If cysts are present at the ultrasound scan and there are also the typical physical symptoms, there may be no need to do blood tests. However, raised levels of a luteinising hormone and testosterone will confirm the diagnosis.

Various hormone-related imbalances can be used to diagnose Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and in some countries, such as the US, it is hormone levels and symptoms, rather than the presence of cysts that are key to confirming a diagnosis.

What Treatment Is Available For Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

• lifestyle changes, - excess weight loss, increasing levels of physical activity and eating a balanced low fat diet all help to maintain a healthy weight.
• smokers should try to quit as PCOS sufferers are more likely to have a stroke..
• hirsutism can be controlled with depilatory creams, bleaching, shaving, waxing and plucking.
• Topical (applied to the skin) treatments may treat acne Tablet forms are available on prescription to help control acne.
• Oral contraceptives can reduce acne and hirsutism by damping down the production of testosterone. They also make periods more regular
• Infertility can be treated with drugs which stimulate egg production.udies are needed to see whether this will be an effective option.