Understanding PCOS: September PCOS Awareness Month

By Mary Basiadima, 13 September 2023

Syndrome (PCOS) of women worldwide, yet it often remains a misunderstood and under diagnosed condition. September PCOS Month[], a crucial to educate, empower, and for those with PCOS.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the PCOS definition, the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, options, and the importance of .

The Importance of PCOS Awareness

PCOS Awareness Month is in shedding light on this often-overlooked . Raising has several benefits, such as:

Increased awareness can lead to earlier and intervention, improving outcomes for PCOS .

Education about PCOS helps reduce the stigma associated with its symptoms, those to fertility and appearance.

PCOS and encourages for better and funding.

can drive into more effective treatments and therapies for PCOS.

What Is PCOS?

PCOS, short for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. It can in various ways, irregular periods, cysts on the ovaries, and hormonal imbalances. PCOS one in ten women, making it a .

Symptoms of PCOS

Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal that people with ovaries, primarily in their years. It can with a range of symptoms, and the and combination of symptoms can vary from person to person. Here are some common of PCOS:

Women with PCOS often have irregular, infrequent, or absent menstrual periods. This irregularity can make it to predict when will occur.

PCOS can lead to, known as . This hair growth is coarse and dark. You can get to help with excessive hair growth, which is excellent for dealing with hair and you to feel like again.

Check out our blog on laser hair for for further information.

PCOS may be associated with persistent and oily skin due to (male hormone) levels.

Some with PCOS of the hair on their scalp, which can male-pattern baldness.

Many people with PCOS with weight gain or obesity[]. This can make it even more challenging to manage the .

Losing weight can be challenging for PCOS due to insulin resistance, leading to increased fat storage.

PCOS often the normal process, making it for to conceive. This can result in fertility issues.

Some with PCOS may pelvic pain, which cysts on the can cause.

PCOS can be associated with mood swings, anxiety, and depression, possibly due to .

Sleep can be more common in individuals with PCOS, due to weight gain and hormonal .

It’s important to note that not everyone with PCOS will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary widely. PCOS can also increase the risk of long-term General Health & Wellbeing issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer. If you suspect you have PCOS or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s to consult a healthcare professional for proper and management.

What Causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovary (PCOS) is a complex hormonal that affects people with . Its exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. Here are some key factors thought to contribute to the of PCOS:

There to be a genetic component to PCOS, as it often runs in families. If a close female relative (such as a mother or sister) has PCOS, you may be at a higher risk of it.

One of the primary features of PCOS is an in hormones, particularly levels of androgens (male hormones) such as . This hormonal imbalance can disrupt the normal cycle and lead to various .

Many individuals with PCOS also have insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells don’t effectively to insulin, to higher levels in the blood. Insulin resistance can the ovaries to produce more androgens, further contributing to .

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

Your GP will about your symptoms to the of other potential causes and assess your blood pressure.

They will also arrange a series of hormone tests to determine whether the hormone is to PCOS or another . Additionally, you may require an to ascertain whether you have within your ovaries, a of .

A blood test may also be necessary to gauge your levels and screen for conditions such as diabetes or high .

According to the NHS[], a diagnosis can usually be made if other rare causes of the same have been ruled out and you meet at least 2 of the following criteria:

Scans show you have polycystic ovaries.

Blood tests show high levels of "male hormones," such as testosterone.

You have irregular periods or infrequent periods or infrequent periods this indicates that your do not regularly release eggs (ovulate)

As only 2 of these need to be present to diagnose PCOS, you will not necessarily need to have an ultrasound scan before the can be confirmed.

If you’re diagnosed with PCOS, you may be treated by your GP or to a specialist, gynaecologist, or endocrinologist.

The GP or will the best possible ways to manage and lifestyle changes and start you on any necessary medicine.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Treatments

The for PCOS aims to manage its and reduce the health risks associated with the condition. Here are some common for PCOS:

The symptoms and overall risk of developing health problems from PCOS can be improved by losing excess weight. The NHS states that a weight loss of 5% can lead to a significant in PCOS.

medications are available to treat the different associated with PCOS. Here are some of the that can be used to treat the symptoms:

You may be to take the contraceptive pill to induce regular periods, or may be using an course of tablets.

Taking the contraceptive pill to help with having regular periods will reduce the risk of developing cancer of the womb lining associated with not having periods.

There are also of contraception, such as an intrauterine system (IUS), which will reduce the risk of cancer in the womb lining as it keeps the womb lining thin, but this may not cause periods.

may be the first for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant. This medication encourages the release of an egg from the ovaries.

If is in encouraging ovulation, another alternative medication called may be .

The combined oral pill has been used to treat excessive hair growth (hirsutism) and hair loss (alopecia).

There is a cream called Eflornithine, which can be used to slow down the growth of facial hair. This cream does not remove hair or cure unwanted facial hair, so it can be used alongside a hair removal product.

There are called which may be offered for excessive hair growth, which may include:

For hair loss from the hair, a cream called may be recommended for use on the scalp.

You will the with your doctor or specialist and find the option that best suits you.

Suffering with Excessive Hair Growth?

At London Laser Clinic, we have a in laser hair removal for excess hair growth. We will create a tailored plan best suited to your condition, which is to give you optimal results.

Book a free at one of to see how laser hair removal effectively treats hair growth. If you have any further questions about our or to arrange a consultation, please or call .

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