Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disturbance among pre-menopausal women. It is a common cause of irregular menstrual periods as well as a leading cause of sub fertility due to lack of regular ovulation. PCOS affects millions of women in the UK. About one in five women in the UK have polycystic ovaries, and approximately one in 10 have PCOS to some degree.
Many women with PCOS are overweight or obese, and have an acquired form of PCOS. They may have excessive body hair and hair loss from the head. PCOS also tends to run in families. If you have PCOS but are not overweight, you probably have a history of PCOS in your family. Women with PCOS may also have a family history of diabetes and high cholesterol.
The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is unknown, but the following factors often lead to the development of the syndrome.
- Resistance to insulin – Insulin resistance means the body’s tissues are resistant to the effects of insulin, so the body has to produce extra insulin to compensate. High levels of insulin cause the ovaries to produce too much testosterone, which interferes with the development of the follicles and prevents normal ovulation.
- Weight gain – Insulin resistance often causes you to be overweight. Being overweight makes the symptoms of PCOS more pronounced, as excess fat causes the body to produce more insulin.
- Hormone imbalance – Many women with PCOS are found to have an imbalance in certain hormones. It is not known what causes these hormone problems.
How is PCOS recognised?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects women in different ways and women can experience one or more symptoms.
The classical symptoms of PCOS include :
- Irregular and infrequent periods, and sometimes lack of periods, this is associated with irregular and infrequent ovulation
- Unwanted facial or body hair (hirsutism)
- Oily skin and acne
- Reduced fertility, difficulty in becoming pregnant
- Being overweight, rapid weight gain or difficulty in losing weight
- Sometimes, there may be a history of repeated miscarriages
PCOS affects women in different ways and these symptoms can be present singly or in combination. They are often present from the time of puberty, though the severity of the symptoms can vary over the years.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
At your appointment you will see a female consultant gynaecologist who will discuss the symptoms you are experiencing. She will usually perform two tests:
- One to measure the levels of hormones by a simple blood test taken within the first five days of a period, or after three months without a period. The hormones are to measure the free testosterone levels and the hormones LH and FSH that regulate normal ovulation. Measurement of insulin levels are not done routinely as they are not helpful. Other more specific tests may be done by your doctor if necessary
- Secondly, an ultrasound scan to examine the appearance of the ovaries. This scan is mostly done vaginally unless there are specific reasons not to do so. This allows us to see if the ovaries have the typical ‘polycystic’ appearance of several (more than 10) small follicles arranged around the edge of the ovary.
If any of the above tests show features of PCOS along with the symptoms of the disorder, then PCOS is diagnosed.
These test will be discussed with you when we arrange your appointment so that you know the full cost prior to visiting HealthHarmonie.
Following your consultation you will receive a written report. We will also ask if you would like a copy of the report sent to your NHS healthcare provider, for example your GP.
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Please note that you do not need a GP referral.
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