Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting women of reproductive age but is often misunderstood.
A common myth is that PCOS causes infertility.
While it can affect fertility due to hormonal imbalances and irregular menstrual cycles, many women with PCOS conceive naturally or with help from reproductive treatments.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age.
It is characterised by excess androgen hormones (male hormones), insulin resistance, and imbalances in reproductive hormones like luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
These disrupt ovarian follicle development, often causing small cysts on the ovaries.
Symptoms include irregular or missed periods, acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, mood swings, and fertility issues, which can impact daily life and cause emotional distress.
If untreated, PCOS can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.
Irregular Periods: Hormonal imbalances in PCOS can disrupt ovulation, causing irregular, infrequent, or prolonged menstrual cycles. Some women may even stop having periods.
Excess Hair Growth (Hirsutism): High androgen levels can cause excessive coarse hair growth on the face, chest, back, or abdomen.
Acne and Oily Skin: Elevated androgens often overstimulate oil glands, leading to acne and oily skin.
Weight Gain and Difficulty Losing Weight: Many women with PCOS gain weight, especially around the abdomen, often due to insulin resistance, and losing weight can be harder.
Hair Thinning or Scalp Hair Loss: Some women experience thinning or hair loss on the scalp due to sensitivity to androgen hormones.
Fertility Challenges: PCOS can cause irregular or absent ovulation, making it harder to conceive.
Medical History and Physical Exam: Doctors check the menstrual cycle, signs of androgen excess (like acne or hirsutism), weight, and family history.
Hormonal Tests: Measures hormones like testosterone, LH, FSH, prolactin, and thyroid hormones to find imbalances causing symptoms.
Blood Glucose and Insulin Tests: Fasting glucose, insulin, and HbA1c levels detect insulin resistance and diabetes risk, common in PCOS.
Lipid Profile: Checks cholesterol and triglycerides, as PCOS raises cardiovascular risk.
Pelvic Ultrasound: Identifies polycystic ovaries with multiple small follicles to aid diagnosis.
If you’re planning to get pregnant, treatments may include:
Lifestyle Changes: Eating healthier and exercising can support weight loss, lower blood sugar, improve insulin use, and regulate ovulation.
Ovulation-inducing Medications: These stimulate egg release but may increase the chance of multiple births (e.g., twins) or cause bloating and discomfort.
If pregnancy isn’t your goal, treatments may focus on symptom management and cycle regulation, such as:
Birth Control Pills: Regulate periods, lower androgen levels, and reduce acne.
Diabetes Medications: Address insulin resistance, lower androgens, slow hair growth, and improve ovulation.
Lifestyle Changes: A healthy diet and exercise can manage symptoms, improve insulin function, and aid ovulation.
Symptom-specific Medications: Target issues like hair growth or acne.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects physical, emotional, and reproductive health. With early diagnosis and proper care, women can significantly improve their quality of life.
If you suspect PCOS, seeking medical advice is crucial.
At Prince Court, Kuala Lumpur’s leading hospital for women care, our gynaecologists provide personalised treatment to help women manage hormonal health and achieve lasting wellness.
Trust Prince Court for expert care.
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