Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Q: What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
A: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects about 10% of women of reproductive age. It causes an imbalance in sex hormones, which can lead to a variety of symptoms such as irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, weight gain, and difficulty getting pregnant.
Q: What causes PCOS?
A: The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a genetic predisposition, insulin resistance and excess androgen production.
Q: How is PCOS diagnosed?
A: PCOS can be diagnosed through a combination of medical history, ultrasound of the ovaries, and blood tests to check hormone levels. In many women with PCOS, the hormone results on the blood tests are normal. Being overweight is not essential for the diagnosis of the condition.
Q: How is PCOS treated?
A: PCOS can be treated through a combination of lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet modifications, as well as medication to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms. Medical treatments include oral contraceptive pill, antiandrogens (testosterone blockers) and insulin sensitisers such as metformin, liraglutide (Saxenda) and semaglutide (Ozempic).
Q: How does PCOS cause infertility?
A: Failure to ovulate occurs in women who have infrequent periods or no periods at all. Ovulation can be improved with weight loss and various treatments including metformin, clomifene and letrozole. Women with regular periods do not usually have a problem conceiving.
Q: Is PCOS curable?
A: PCOS is not curable, but it can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. Women with PCOS can still have healthy pregnancies and live healthy lives with proper management of their symptoms.
Consultants
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Dr Teng-Teng Chung Consultant Endocrinologist
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Dr Clementina La Rosa Consultant Paediatrician and Endocrinologist
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Dr Nemanja Stojanovic Consultant Endocrinologist
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Professor Gerard Conway Consultant Endocrinologist
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Dr Umasuthan Srirangalingam Consultant Physician in Diabetes and Endocrinology
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