Understanding PCOS: September PCOS Awareness Month

By Mary Basiadima, 13 September 2023

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) of women worldwide, yet it often remains a and under condition. PCOS Month[], a to educate, empower, and advocate for those with PCOS.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the PCOS definition, the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, options, and the of awareness.

The Importance of PCOS Awareness

PCOS Month is pivotal in light on this often-overlooked . Raising awareness has several essential benefits, such as:

Increased awareness can lead to diagnosis and intervention, improving outcomes for PCOS patients.

Education about PCOS helps reduce the stigma associated with its symptoms, those to and appearance.

PCOS and encourages for better healthcare and .

Greater awareness can drive into more treatments and for PCOS.

What Is PCOS?

PCOS, short for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. It can manifest in various ways, including periods, cysts on the ovaries, and hormonal imbalances. PCOS approximately one in ten women, making it a prevalent concern.

Symptoms of PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder that impacts people with ovaries, primarily in their years. It can with a range of symptoms, and the and of symptoms can vary from person to person. Here are some common of PCOS:

Women with PCOS often have irregular, infrequent, or absent . This irregularity can make it difficult to when will occur.

PCOS can lead to, known as hirsutism. This hair growth is typically coarse and dark. You can get to help with hair growth, which is excellent for with unwanted hair and you to feel like yourself again.

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PCOS may be with persistent and oily skin due to increased androgen (male hormone) levels.

Some with PCOS experience of the hair on their scalp, which can male-pattern baldness.

Many people with PCOS struggle with weight gain or obesity[]. This can make it even more to manage the condition.

Losing weight can be particularly challenging for PCOS patients due to insulin resistance, to increased fat .

PCOS often the normal process, Anti-Wrinkle Subscription making it for to conceive. This can result in fertility issues.

Some individuals with PCOS may experience pelvic pain, which cysts on the can cause.

PCOS can be associated with mood swings, anxiety, and depression, due to imbalances.

Sleep disturbances can be more common in with PCOS, possibly due to weight gain and hormonal .

It’s important to note that not with PCOS will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary widely. PCOS can also increase the risk of health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer. If you you have PCOS or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s to a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and .

What Causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovary (PCOS) is a disorder that affects people with . Its exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a of genetic, hormonal, and . Here are some key factors thought to contribute to the of PCOS:

There appears to be a component to PCOS, as it often runs in . If a close female relative (such as a mother or sister) has PCOS, you may be at a higher risk of it.

One of the primary features of PCOS is an imbalance in hormones, particularly elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone. This hormonal can disrupt the normal cycle and lead to various symptoms.

Many individuals with PCOS also have resistance, a condition where the body’s cells don’t respond effectively to insulin, leading to higher levels in the blood. Insulin can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, further contributing to hormonal .

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

Your GP will inquire about your to eliminate the of other potential causes and assess your blood .

They will also a series of hormone tests to whether the excessive hormone production is attributed to PCOS or another condition. Additionally, you may require an examination to whether you have within your ovaries, a characteristic of ovaries.

A blood test may also be necessary to gauge your hormone levels and screen for such as or high cholesterol.

According to the NHS[], a diagnosis can usually be made if other rare causes of the same have been ruled out and you meet at least 2 of the following criteria:

Scans show you have polycystic .

Blood tests show high levels of "male hormones," such as .

You have irregular periods or or infrequent this indicates that your ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulate)

As only 2 of these need to be present to diagnose PCOS, you will not necessarily need to have an ultrasound scan before the can be confirmed.

If you’re diagnosed with PCOS, you may be by your GP or to a specialist, gynaecologist, or endocrinologist.

The GP or will the best possible ways to manage and lifestyle changes and start you on any necessary .

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Treatments

The treatment for PCOS aims to manage its symptoms and reduce the long-term health risks associated with the condition. Here are some common for PCOS:

The and overall risk of long-term health problems from PCOS can be improved by losing excess weight. The NHS states that a weight loss of 5% can lead to a significant improvement in PCOS.

are available to treat the different symptoms associated with PCOS. Here are some of the medicines that can be used to treat the symptoms:

You may be recommended to take the contraceptive pill to induce periods, or may be induced using an intermittent course of progestogen .

Taking the pill to help with having periods will reduce the risk of cancer of the womb lining associated with not having regular .

There are also of contraception, such as an system (IUS), which will reduce the risk of cancer in the womb lining as it keeps the womb lining thin, but this may not cause periods.

Clomifene may be the first medication for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant. This medication encourages the of an egg from the ovaries.

If Clomifene is in encouraging ovulation, another alternative called metformin may be recommended.

The combined oral contraceptive pill has typically been used to treat hair growth (hirsutism) and hair loss (alopecia).

There is a cream called Eflornithine, which can be used to slow down the growth of facial hair. This cream does not remove hair or cure facial hair, so it can be used a hair removal product.

There are medicines called anti-androgens which may be for excessive hair growth, which may include:

For hair loss from the hair, a cream called minoxidil may be recommended for use on the scalp.

You will discuss the options with your doctor or specialist and find the treatment option that best suits you.

Suffering with Excessive Hair Growth?

At London Premier Laser Clinic, we have a in laser hair for excess hair growth. We will create a treatment plan best suited to your condition, which is to give you optimal results.

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