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Freeflow Fast Facts - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

 


September is here and you may not know that it is also PCOS Awareness month! PCOS is a very common yet under-diagnosed condition. This is partly due to the lack of awareness of what the symptoms are and how they can be treated, and there are some misconceptions floating around too. So, this PCOS Awareness Month, we at Freeflow want to help bridge the gap on awareness. This month's blog, you guessed it, will be all about PCOS and you'll you'll get the answers to some common questions people have about the condition.

What exactly is PCOS?

First thing's first, for those who don't already know, PCOS is the abbreviated form of polycystic ovary syndrome. It is characterised with:
  • high levels of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone, which contribute to male pattern hair loss/thinning, and hirsutism (excessive facial and body hair growth
  • irregular periods, which may lead to fertility problems as ovulation is irregular
  • polycystic ovaries, they cysts are fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that contribute to hormonal imbalance
According to the NHS you can be diagnosed with PCOS if you experience just 2 of the above.

Is PCOS really that common?

Many people underestimate how common PCOS really is - it affects 1 in 10 women in the UK, half of which don't have symptoms at all. The lack of symptoms means that some women don't know they have PCOS and are not diagnosed. Diagnosis of PCOS is important because it is linked to other health risks. For those who do have symptoms, diagnosis would help them to understand and manage their symptoms because doctors will provide advice and treatment accordingly.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Let's bring our attention to the symptoms. These often appear in the late teen years and, apart from those already mentioned, they may include:
  • obesity
  • acne
  • insulin resistance
Not all the symptoms will be present - you may have some and not others, and not all women will have the same symptoms. 

What causes PCOS?

It is unclear what actually causes PCOS but it seems to run in families so there is likely to be a genetic factor, although research is yet to determine which gene or genes contribute to the disorder,

What treatments are available for PCOS?

While PCOS is not curable, hormones can be regulated, and symptoms can be treated. For example, making healthy lifestyle choices can help if you are overweight. Make sure to seek professional advice because your doctor may prescribe you medication for your specific symptoms. For fertility issues, to help you ovulate you may be given Metformin, which improves insulin resistance. Birth control pills decrease androgen levels, so they may be recommended to improve excess hair growth and acne.

Is PCOS a menstrual/reproductive disorder?

A misconception of PCOS is that it is a menstrual or reproductive disorder. This is not the case. It is in fact an endocrine disorder, with irregular periods and fertility problems being secondary symptoms. If you have PCOS and you are worried about your fertility, it may help to know that most women who have PCOS can get pregnant when they receive treatment, or even without it. Speak to a doctor as they can help you determine whether you require treatment or not.

What is it like to have PCOS?

Having a chronic illness is hard. The symptoms of PCOS often have further implications on women, such as having low self-esteem regarding their appearance, and feeling low due to fertility concerns. Useful things women with PCOS can do to manage their PCOS include talking to others with the condition so that you have a support network, keeping your doctor updated, frequent exercise, and eating a healthy and balanced diet. You can also visit the PCOS Awareness Association's website for more information, support and advice.

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