PCOS

What is PCOS?

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome. It's a very common condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work. About 1 in every 10 women in the UK has PCOS, though more than half don't have any symptoms.

The name can be confusing - despite being called "polycystic", you don't actually have cysts if you have PCOS. Instead, your ovaries contain many small fluid-filled sacs called follicles.

What happens in PCOS?

PCOS has three main features:

Irregular periods - Your ovaries don't release eggs regularly (or at all). This means your periods might be very irregular or stop completely.

High levels of male hormones - Your body makes too much of hormones like testosterone. This can cause extra hair growth on your face, chest, back or bottom.

Changes to your ovaries - Your ovaries become larger and contain many small follicles (up to 8mm in size). These are underdeveloped sacs where eggs should grow, but they often can't release the egg properly.

If you have at least 2 of these features, you may be diagnosed with PCOS.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually start in your late teens or early twenties. They can include:

• Irregular periods or no periods at all
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Extra hair growth on face, chest, back or bottom
• Weight gain
• Thinning hair or hair loss from your head
• Oily skin or spots

What causes PCOS?

We don't know the exact cause, but PCOS often runs in families. It's linked to unusual hormone levels in your body.

Many women with PCOS have something called insulin resistance. This means your body doesn't respond well to insulin (the hormone that controls blood sugar). To make up for this, your body makes more insulin, which can increase other hormones like testosterone.

Being overweight can make your body produce even more insulin, which can make symptoms worse.

Health risks to know about

PCOS is linked to a higher risk of developing:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol levels

It's important to have regular check-ups with your GP to monitor these risks.

Can PCOS be treated?

There's no cure for PCOS, but symptoms can be managed well. Speak to your GP if you think you might have PCOS.

If you're overweight, losing weight and eating a healthy, balanced diet can really help improve symptoms.

Your GP might suggest medicines to help with:

• Extra hair growth
• Irregular periods
• Fertility problems

If you're trying to get pregnant and fertility medicines don't work, there's a simple operation called laparoscopic ovarian drilling. This uses heat or laser to destroy tissue in the ovaries that makes too much testosterone.

The good news

With the right treatment, most women with PCOS can get pregnant if they want to. Many women manage their symptoms well and live healthy, normal lives.

Remember: If you're worried about any symptoms, always speak to your GP. They can help work out what's causing your symptoms and suggest the best treatment for you.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.