Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) & you

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common hormonal disorder, often seen in women of reproductive age, affecting around 10% of women in this age group. “Polycystic” means several cysts have formed in the ovaries, your reproductive organ. According to a study from the University of Adelaide, up to 70 percent of the study group were not aware that they have PCOS. Women with PCOS produce more Androgens (Male Hormones) than usual.

How cysts form

Small fluid filled sacs grow inside the ovaries. These sacs are called follicles, each containing an immature egg. Unlike usual, these eggs never mature enough, thus there is no trigger for ovulation. Without ovulation, estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH levels are altered. Estrogen and progesterone (Female hormones) levels are lower than normal, while androgen (Male hormones) levels are higher than normal. Although there is no definite reason as to why a woman develops PCOS, it is likely to be due to a genetic disorder.

Some common symptoms of PCOS

Irregular or absent periods

Difficulty losing weight

Thin hair

Infertility

Body hair growth

High blood pressure

Elevated insulin or diabetes

Slightly enlarged ovaries with at least 10 cysts measuring 2-8mm diameter

Complications of PCOS

Insulin resistance

Diabetes

>50% of women with PCOS will have diabetes or prediabetes before the age of 40

Heart disease

Cholesterol issues

Cancer

If you suspect that you have PCOS based on some of the symptoms above, do not hesitate to visit a doctor or gynaecologist to get yourself checked. Or you can contact us for an assessment. The diagnosis can be confirmed through a blood test and a pelvic ultrasound which can be arranged at our clinic.

PCOS management

Lifestyle management: maintaining at your healthy weight range with adequate physical activity can help restore normal hormone balance as body fat is involved in certain hormone production. Contact us if you face challenges tackling obesity.

Irregular periods or infertility: If this is your concern, your doctor may start you on certain medications to restore your period or to induce ovulation. Speak with your doctor regarding your concern for the most appropriate advice.

Excessive hair growth: the best long term treatment available would be laser hair removal. It is not dangerous.

How can we help?

We can help with:

1. Weight management for obesity

2. Heart health assessment and optimization

3. Diagnosis, treatment and management of prediabetes and diabetes

4. Cholesterol evaluation & management

Check in with us now with your concerns!