What is the main cause of PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is not determined as yet, but researchers believe it to be linked to genetic and environmental factors. If the symptoms of PCOS run in your family, you are at a higher risk for developing the same metabolic abnormalities. Most of the symptoms of PCOS can lead to an increase in the male hormone androgens, which is likely to interfere with the normal ovulation process resulting in irregular periods and infertility.

What are the 4 types of PCOS?

There are four types of PCOS – Insulin-resistant PCOS, Pill-induced PCOS, Inflammatory PCOS, and Adrenal PCOS. Another PCOS type is Hidden-cause. Insulin-resistant PCOS is the most common type of PCOS, wherein the high levels of insulin impair ovulation and trigger the ovaries to produce more testosterone instead of estrogen. This is caused by a high intake of sugar, transfat and smoking. Pill-induced PCOS is caused due to hormonal birth control pills that suppress ovulation. However, the effects don’t last long and once the effect of the pill is over, most women resume ovulating. Caused due to inflammation in the body, inflammatory PCOS leads to hormonal imbalance, prevents ovulation and results in a high level of androgens. Symptoms of inflammatory PCOS is headache, unexplained fatigue, joint pain and chronic skin conditions. Adrenal PCOS leads to elevation of all androgens: testosterone and androstenedione from the ovaries and DHEAS from the adrenal glands. Hidden-cause PCOS can be caused due to iodine deficiency, thyroid disease, etc and can be cured once diagnosed.

At what age PCOS starts?

Generally speaking, women can get PCOS at any age after puberty. Research indicates that between 5% and 10% of women have PCOS between 15 to 44 years. However, most of the time, women find out they have PCOS in their 20s and 30s when they are facing problems getting pregnant and visit a gynaecologist.

Can you get pregnant if you have PCOS?

Yes, you can. While PCOS is one of the causes of infertility in women, with effective fertility treatments (IVF, etc) you can get pregnant.

How can I manage my pregnancy with PCOS?

Women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing complications during pregnancy such as miscarriage, premature birth, gestational diabetes, etc. However, consult with a gynaecologist or PCOS Specialist who will help you to manage your symptoms during pregnancy through careful monitoring.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose PCOS in women if they have at least two of the three main symptoms: irregular periods, high androgen levels, and cysts in the ovaries. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will use tests such as blood test, pelvic exam, and ultrasound.

Should I be worried if I have PCOS? Can PCOS be cured?

As of now, there is no cure for PCOS, but depending on the symptoms and its severity, it can be treated. The gynaecologist can prescribe medication to control hormones. They may also recommend lifestyles changes, which will further help treat PCOS.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Treatment In London, UK

Mentioned below is the PCOS Symptoms checklist as well as the common signs of PCOS you need to look out for:

Weight Gain (low metabolic rate).
Oily Skin and Acne.
Reduced Fertility.
Excessive Facial and Body Hair.
Depression and Anxiety.
Thinning Hair or Hair Loss.
Heavy Bleeding and Infertility.

These signs and symptoms might be due to other medical conditions. Thus, it is important to see a PCOS specialist to identify the right condition. Also, early diagnosis and treatment can help control the symptoms, thus preventing long-term issues like diabetes, heart disease, etc. If you are looking for a PCOS specialist in London, contact Women’s Healthcare. We provide women’s health screening and sexual health check-ups.

Frankly, there is no cure for PCOS, but symptoms can be treated specifically based on their severity. The best polycystic ovary treatment, however, is to adopt a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, eat healthily and go for regular pelvic examinations.

As rapid weight gain is one of the prominent side effects of PCOS, weight loss efforts can help you control PCOS. To manage a healthy body weight, you need to know what is a healthy body weight for you. You can do so by calculating your BMI (Body weight divided by Height). A healthy BMI ranges between 18.5 and 24.9.

Medications are available for treating various symptoms of PCOS. Here are some of them:

Irregular Or Absent Periods: If you are facing irregular and absent periods, your gynaecologist might suggest using a contraceptive pill. This also reduces the risks of cancer of the womb lining.
Weight Gain: Orlistat and cholesterol-lowering medicines are some of the most common medications for controlling excessive weight gain.
Semi-Fertility Or Infertility: If you are facing fertility problems, your doctor might suggest Clomifene, which promotes a regular release of eggs. Metformin is another medication which manages type 2 diabetes and also reduces the risk of miscarriage.

IVF treatment: If you are trying to get pregnant and medications are not helping, IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) treatment might be offered. Under IVF treatment, the eggs are taken out of the womb, fertilised and then placed back in the womb. A side effect of IVF treatment is that it can increase the chances of twin and triplet pregnancy.

Surgery: If you are facing severe PCOS-related issues, which cannot be treated through medication, surgery might be your only option. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) is a minor procedure which is done under general anaesthesia. The doctor makes a micro-incision on your belly and passes a microscope called a laparoscope through your belly. The doctor proceeded to destroy male hormone production tissues using heat and laser. This can restore the normal function of your ovaries and lower levels of testosterone and luteinising hormone.

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