Thousands of people in the UK are living with a syndrome they are unknowingly suffering with. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the syndrome “is a significant public health problem”.
The organisation also states it is one of the most common hormonal disturbances affecting women of reproductive age. The condition is said to impact an estimated 8–13% of women of reproductive age.
As many as 70% of cases are undiagnosed, meaning millions of people may not realise they have it.
The condition is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is associated with a variety of long-term health problems that affect physical and emotional well-being.
PCOS tends to be hereditary, but its symptoms and impact can vary across different ethnic groups.
Polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms can vary widely among individuals, but there are some key indicators to be aware of. These symptoms can also evolve over time and may appear without any obvious cause.
According to the NHS, if you have signs and symptoms of PCOS, they’ll usually become apparent during your late teens or early 20s. They can include:
- irregular periods or no periods at all
- difficulty getting pregnant as a result of irregular ovulation or no ovulation
- excessive hair growth (hirsutism) – usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks
- weight gain
- thinning hair and hair loss from the head
- oily skin or acne
PCOS is also associated with an increased risk of developing health problems in later life, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels.
PCOS is diagnosed by the presence of at least two out of the following:
- signs or symptoms of high androgens (unwanted facial or bodily hair, loss of hair from the head, acne or an elevated blood level of testosterone) – after other causes for this have been excluded
- irregular or absent menstrual periods – after other causes for this have been excluded
- polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound scan
Blood tests can reveal specific alterations in hormone levels, but these changes can vary from person to person. For instance, women with polycystic ovary syndrome often exhibit higher hormone levels:
- testosterone
- oestrogen
- luteinising hormone
- insulin
- anti-müllerian hormone
What causes polycystic ovary syndrome?
The precise cause of PCOS remains unclear, but it tends to occur in families. It is associated with irregular hormone levels in the body, particularly elevated insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone responsible for regulating sugar levels in the body.
Many women with PCOS experience insulin resistance, leading them to produce more insulin to compensate. This situation can lead to higher production and activity of hormones such as testosterone. Additionally, being overweight or obese can further elevate insulin production in the body.
Treating polycystic ovary syndrome:
While there isn’t a cure for PCOS, the symptoms can be managed effectively. If you suspect you have this condition, it’s a good idea to consult with a GP. For those with PCOS who are also overweight, adopting a healthy, balanced diet and losing weight can help alleviate some symptoms.
There are medications available to address issues like excessive hair growth, irregular menstrual cycles, and fertility challenges. If fertility medications don’t yield results, a minor surgical option known as laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) might be suggested.
This procedure uses heat or laser technology to target and eliminate the ovarian tissue that produces androgens, including testosterone. With appropriate treatment, many women with PCOS can successfully conceive.