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PCOS
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
It is a hormonal disorder that causes a lack of or very infrequent ovulation, resulting in irregular or absent periods.
Symptoms can vary in severity from woman to woman throughout life until menopause.
Common symptoms:
- Irregular or missed periods.
- Tendency to blemished skin.
- Increased body, arm and leg hair, possibly beard growth. Overweight with a tendency to have an apple shape.
- Difficulty getting pregnant, increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure (also after menopause).
The diagnosis is made by an ultrasound scan of the ovaries and possibly blood tests.
Symptoms of PCOS
- Irregular periods / lack of ovulation.
- Increased hair growth, blemished skin and/or changes in blood levels of sex hormones.
- At least one enlarged ovary with many small follicles.
To be diagnosed with PCOS, at least 2 out of 3 symptoms must be present.
The cause of PCOS
The cause is unknown, but women with PCOS often have high blood sugar levels and therefore produce more insulin than normal to keep blood sugar levels stable. There is a degree of heredity, so you may look like some of the women in your family.
More than half of women with PCOS are overweight, so exercise, dietary changes and weight loss are effective treatments for PCOS. For example, many women with PCOS and a BMI over 25 will find that if they lose 10% of their body weight, they will have regular ovulations and therefore regular menstrual cycles, which will allow them to achieve spontaneous pregnancy.
Metformin treatment
Metformin is used for several women with PCOS; however, only indicated for overweight women with PCOS. Metformin regulates the blood sugar and the hormones, so for women with PCOS, this can lead to regular ovulation and therefore regular periods.
