Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in the UK that has a long term affect on women’s health. It is a condition that can affect multiple body systems and people with PCOS can sometimes be cared for in primary care, gynaecology or endocrinology.
An estimated 10% of women of reproductive age are affected by PCOS with many of them undiagnosed. These people will have diverse features which can include symptoms of anxiety, depression, sleep and eating disorders but may also feature skin problems such as hirsutism, acanthosis nigricans and acne. They may present due to reproductive/gynaecological concerns (irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, endometrial cancer and pregnancy complications) and/or metabolic features (insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes (T2D). They are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
It is therefore an important health condition that requires health professionals to provide support with lifestyle modifications, advice regarding hormone management and risk reduction as well as information and opportunities for fertility help.
What causes PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. However, diagnosis is typically based on meeting two of the three criteria known as The Rotterdam Criteria:
1. Biochemical changes including high levels of androgens (testosterone) or a high antimullerian hormone level,
2. Irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, acne, difficulty losing weight
3. Polycystic appearance of ovaries on an ultrasound based on international criteria
Are there other health risks associated with PCOS?
Long-term, PCOS is associated with several significant health risks, including mental health impacts, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, fatty liver, diabetes, infertility, and endometrial cancer.
What are the main symptoms of PCOS?
Common symptoms include irregular periods, fatigue, bloating, and acne. Other signs of high androgen levels can include scalp hair loss, facial and body hair growth, and weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Additional features include cravings for sugary foods, dark skin patches, and fertility issues.
How we can help at Minter Hormone Health?
Our team is ready to discuss your symptoms and offer advice on managing them. We can guide you to useful resources or explain how to seek further help from your GP. We can also write to your GP and summarise our consultations, and we can link you in with dietician services.
Book a Consultation
Virtual Comprehensive Consultation with Doctor
45 minute Consultation-
Discuss all aspects of menstrual, vaginal, sexual and contraceptive health
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Suitable for those with other medical conditions that need further advice.
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Summary letter to you and your GP for ongoing care if needed.
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A private prescription is included in this appointment if needed (cost of contraception is paid separately directly to pharmacy)
What follows a PCOS diagnosis?
PCOS is a chronic condition and requires lifelong management. With early diagnosis and intervention it is possible to manage PCOS but it is not a condition that has a specific treatment or cure. Post-diagnosis, individuals often feel there is a lack of information and struggle to know how to make the lifestyle changes that are part of management of PCOS. Support networks can be vital to help with lifestyle adjustments, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Ongoing care is crucial in PCOS and should take into account the needs of the individual which may include reproductive, metabolic, cardiovascular, dermatologic, sleep and psychological features.
A reproductive health care plan should focus on preconception risk factors including prevention of weight gain to optimise fertility. An early referral to a fertility specialist may be needed however women with PCOS can conceive naturally and should always be offered contraception if it is important to them to not conceive currently.
PCOS should be considered a high-risk condition in pregnancy with women being identified and monitored for gestational diabetes.
Sleep disorders and mental health should be addressed and managed with cognitive behavioural therapy and lifestyle management.
An increased premenopausal risk of endometrial cancer should be recognised, whilst absolute risks remain low.
