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What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? PCOS is a complex hormonal condition that affects about 10% of women. It’s common for women with PCOS to have increased levels of certain hormones, including insulin and androgens (male-type hormones), which causes various symptoms. PCOS may increase the risk of developing other health conditions.

Women with PCOS may have a range of symptoms that can be mild to severe.

Symptoms can also change at different life stages

Common symptoms include:

  • Not everyone with PCOS will have all these symptoms. We know that PCOS is a hormonal condition
  • but the exact cause is not fully understood. It may be associated with family history
  • genetics lifestyle

The name ‘polycystic ovary syndrome’ suggests the problem is mainly with the ovaries and that you might have multiple cysts on your ovaries. But, it’s actually a condition related to hormones. It is estimated that up to a third of women with PCOS have a female relative with PCOS.

This may be higher in some ethnic groups

It’s thought that increased levels of insulin cause the ovaries to work differently, which leads to high levels of androgens (male-type hormones).

These hormones cause different PCOS symptoms

About 85% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which means the body blocks glucose from going into cells.

This causes the body to make more insulin

Insulin resistance can be caused by genetic factors, or lifestyle factors such as being If hormone levels are controlled, the ovaries can function normally and symptoms may improve. PCOS can affect women of all weight ranges.

But a heavier weight can increase the hormones responsible for PCOS symptoms

Weight loss can normalise hormone production and lead to improvements in PCOS symptoms. Early diagnosis and support from a team of health practitioners can reduce symptoms and prevent long-term health problems.

When you see your doctor, they will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history.

They may also order and an ultrasound to learn more. , but you don’t need an ultrasound to confirm PCOS. PCOS may be diagnosed if you have 2 or more of the following symptoms: polycystic ovaries (more than 20 small, underdeveloped eggs on the ovaries) visible on an ultrasound.

A blood test for anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) level can be done instead of an ultrasound. It’s important to work with your doctor and medical team to manage your symptoms and improve your long-term health outcomes. Depending on your symptoms, you can seek help from a range of healthcare professionals, including: A healthy lifestyle is the most effective way to manage PCOS symptoms.

Your doctor might also recommend certain medicines to manage PCOS.

For example, hormonal contraception and Metformin. Other medicines and treatments can be used to help with symptoms like skin and hair problems.

For example, acne medicines and laser hair removal.

Some women may need medicine or surgery to help with fertility

PCOS can cause stress, anxiety and depression

But there are things you can do to take care of your emotional health

For example, a healthy lifestyle, relaxation techniques and You can reduce this risk with a healthy lifestyle, regular health checks (e.g. and blood glucose checks) and medicine if required.

Symptoms of PCOS irregular or no periods excessive hair (hirsutism) on the face or body hair loss (alopecia) skin conditions such as acne and skin tags stress , anxiety and depression weight problems reduced fertility Causes of PCOS Genetics and family history It’s likely PCOS is linked to multiple genes Hormones overweight Weight Diagnosing PCOS If you have symptoms of PCOS, see your doctor blood tests Sometimes polycystic ovaries can be seen on an ultrasound irregular or absent periods acne, excess facial or body hair, scalp hair loss, or high levels of androgens in the blood Treatment and management of PCOS Your PCOS medical team a GP (doctor) an endocrinologist (hormone specialist) a gynaecologist a dietitian a dermatologist an exercise physiologist a fertility specialist a psychologist Healthy lifestyle This means eating a balanced diet , doing regular physical activity , maintaining a healthy weight , and reducing or stopping smoking and excessive drinking Medicine Emotional health counselling Long-term health risks of PCOS PCOS is associated with some long-term health risks, such as type 2 diabetes , cardiovascular disease and sleep apnoea blood pressure More information For more detailed information, related resources, articles and podcasts, visit Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Where to get help GP (doctor) Gynaecologist Endocrinologist Dietitian Exercise physiologist Local women’s health clinic Community health centre Jean Hailes for Women’s Health .

Key Points

  • PCOS may increase the risk of developing other health conditions
  • Women with PCOS may have a range of symptoms that can be mild to severe
  • Symptoms can also change at different life stages
  • Common symptoms include: Not everyone with PCOS will have all these symptoms
  • We know that PCOS is a hormonal condition, but the exact cause is not fully understood