What is PCOS?

To make the diagnosis of PCOS, according to published recommendations there must be two out of three of the following criteria:

• Multiple small cysts on one or more ovary. One or more enlarged ovary may also be diagnostic
• Clinical symptoms or blood test evidence of raised levels of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone
• Irregular periods or evidence that ovulation is not occurring

In PCOS, the cysts may be accompanied by an imbalance of sex hormones, specifically elevated androgens. Normally women have both oestrogens (female hormones) and androgens (male hormones). In PCOS the balance is tilted towards overproduction of androgens. This may lead to acne and/or excessive hair growth on the face and body. Blood test may sometimes show an elevated level of testosterone.

PCOS is associated with irregular, infrequent or even absent periods. If the periods are irregular, it is unlikely that ovulation is occurring. As a result, women may experience problems conceiving (subfertility). Further, women with PCOS may also suffer repeated early pregnancy losses (also known as recurrent miscarriage).

Women with PCOS may have difficulty controlling their weight. Being overweight makes the symptoms even worse. Conversely weight loss can lead to a dramatic improvement in the full spectrum of symptoms.

Women with PCOS are at increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus because their tissues are resistant to insulin. The prevalence of diabetes in obese PCOS subjects is about 11%. Other possible sequelae of PCOS include an increased risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), of fat-like molecules in the blood stream (dyslipidaemia) and of cardiovascular disease. These may all be linked to each other. If there are very long gaps between menstruations (periods), there is small increase in the risk of endometrial (lining of the womb) cancer.

Read more on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)