Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. PCOS is a complex condition that can have significant impacts on a woman's quality of life, reproductive health, and overall well-being. It is essential to understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for PCOS to provide effective care and support to patients.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition caused by a hormonal imbalance in women. It happens when the ovaries produce too many male hormones (androgens), leading to symptoms like irregular periods, excess hair growth on the face and body, acne, and difficulty getting pregnant. The exact cause isn’t clear, but it is linked to insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and family history. High androgen levels can disrupt ovulation, sometimes causing small fluid-filled sacs (cysts) to form on the ovaries. PCOS is common, affecting about 15% of women of childbearing age, and is often discovered when women face challenges with fertility. Since PCOS symptoms vary, understanding its types and signs is crucial for proper management.

While no classification system exists for PCOS, the condition can be categorised into several subtypes based on certain symptoms and characteristics. These subtypes include:

1. Classic PCOS

Characterised by irregular periods, excess androgen, and polycystic ovaries.

2. Ovulatory PCOS

Characterised by regular periods, excess androgen, and polycystic ovaries.

3. Non-polycystic ovary PCOS

Characterised by irregular periods and excess androgen, but without polycystic ovaries.

4. Secondary PCOS

Caused by another medical condition, such as thyroid disease or Cushing's syndrome.

5. Insulin-Resistant PCOS

This is the most common type of PCOS, affecting about 70% of women with the condition. It occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, leading to higher insulin levels in the blood. This excess insulin increases male hormones (androgens), disrupting the body’s hormonal balance.

6. Lean PCOS

Lean PCOS affects women with normal or low body weight. Despite not being overweight, these women experience hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and other PCOS symptoms, similar to those with insulin-resistant PCOS.

7. Inflammatory PCOS

Characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, inflammatory PCOS can worsen insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances. It often comes with additional symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and digestive issues.

8. Pill-Induced PCOS

This form of PCOS arises from hormonal medications, such as birth control pills, triggering PCOS-like symptoms. Fortunately, this type is reversible and usually resolves after discontinuing the medication.

9. Post-Pregnancy PCOS

Post-pregnancy PCOS, or postpartum PCOS, can develop after childbirth. Hormonal changes during and after pregnancy may disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, leading to PCOS symptoms.

PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder that affects many women of reproductive age. The signs and symptoms of PCOS can vary from person to person, but there are some common characteristics to look out for:

• Weight gain

• Difficulty losing weight

• Insulin resistance

• Patches of dark, velvety skin

To diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome, doctors typically look for at least two of the following three symptoms:

1. Irregular menstrual cycles

This includes infrequent periods (oligomenorrhea) or absence of periods (amenorrhoea). Menstrual intervals longer than 35 days or fewer than eight periods per year are considered irregular.

2. Hyperandrogenism

Elevated levels of male hormones can cause physical signs such as hirsutism, acne, and male pattern baldness. Blood tests can also confirm high androgen levels.

3. Polycystic ovaries

Ultrasound imaging may reveal enlarged ovaries containing numerous small follicles. However, polycystic ovaries alone do not necessarily indicate PCOS if other symptoms are absent.

4. Irregular Periods

Missing periods, not having them at all, or experiencing unusually heavy bleeding are common menstrual irregularities associated with PCOS.

5. Abnormal Hair Growth

Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) on the face, arms, chest, and abdomen affects up to 70% of people with PCOS.

6. Acne

PCOS can lead to persistent acne on the face, chest, and back, which may continue beyond adolescence and be challenging to manage.

7. Obesity

Between 40% and 80% of people with PCOS struggle with obesity, making it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.

8. Darkened Skin

Dark patches of skin, often appearing in areas like the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts, are a common symptom known as acanthosis nigricans.

Despite extensive research, the exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome remains unknown. However, several factors are believed to contribute to the development of PCOS:

1. Genetic predisposition

Studies suggest that certain genetic variations may increase the risk of developing PCOS. If a close female relative has PCOS, the likelihood of developing the condition is higher.

2. Insulin resistance

Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which means their cells do not respond properly to insulin. This can lead to high insulin levels, which may stimulate the ovaries to produce excess androgens.

3. Hormonal imbalances

An imbalance in the levels of sex hormones, particularly an excess of androgens, can disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause PCOS symptoms. The ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells can all contribute to androgen production.

4. Low-Grade Inflammation

Low-grade inflammation occurs when white blood cells release substances to respond to injury or infection. In people with PCOS, this response becomes chronic, leading to persistent inflammation. Research suggests this long-term inflammation triggers the ovaries to produce excess androgens (male hormones), disrupting hormonal balance. Over time, it can increase the risk of heart and blood vessel issues.

PCOS is a complex condition influenced by various risk factors, which can be categorised into several key areas:

1. Genetic factors

• Family history of PCOS or menstrual problems is a significant risk factor. If your mother, sister, or other close female relatives have PCOS, you are more likely to develop it.
• Genetic influences are suggested by the higher prevalence of PCOS among first-degree relatives and the concordance in monozygotic twins.

2. Hormonal and metabolic factors

• Insulin resistance is a common feature in PCOS, affecting 30%-80% of women with the condition. This can lead to high insulin levels, which in turn can increase androgen production.
• High levels of androgens (hyperandrogenism) are a hallmark of PCOS and can disrupt menstrual cycles and cause other symptoms.

3. Environmental and lifestyle factors

• Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor, as it can exacerbate insulin resistance and worsen PCOS symptoms.
• Poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the development and severity of PCOS.
• Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), has been linked to an increased risk of PCOS.

4. Other health conditions

• Women with a history of type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or other metabolic disorders are at a higher risk for developing PCOS.

PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder that can lead to various complications affecting multiple aspects of a woman's health. These complications can have significant impacts on reproductive, metabolic, cardiovascular, and psychological well-being.

1. Reproductive Complications

a. Infertility

PCOS is a leading cause of infertility, as the hormonal imbalances and irregular ovulation associated with the condition can make it difficult to conceive.

b. Miscarriage or premature birth

Women with PCOS have a higher risk of experiencing miscarriage or giving birth prematurely.

c. Gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced hypertension

PCOS increases the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy-induced hypertension during pregnancy.

2. Metabolic complications

a. Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes

More than half of women with PCOS may develop type 2 diabetes by the age of 40, and many have prediabetes, a condition characterised by elevated blood sugar levels.

b. Metabolic syndrome

This cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

3. Cardiovascular complications

a. Heart disease and stroke

Women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing heart disease and experiencing a stroke due to factors such as high blood pressure, elevated LDL cholesterol, and low HDL cholesterol levels.

b. High blood pressure

Hypertension is a common complication among women with PCOS, further increasing their risk of cardiovascular problems

Although there is no surefire way to prevent PCOS, adopting certain lifestyle changes and managing risk factors can help reduce the severity of symptoms and minimise the impact of associated conditions.

1. Lifestyle changes

a. Weight management

Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help regulate menstrual cycles, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of metabolic complications associated with PCOS.

b. Healthy diet

Consuming a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables while limiting processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats can help manage weight and improve overall health.

c. Regular exercise

Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week, can help maintain a healthy weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

2. Early diagnosis and treatment

a. Regular check-ups

Scheduling regular visits with a doctor can help detect PCOS early, allowing for timely intervention and management of symptoms.

b. Addressing underlying conditions

Treating associated conditions such as insulin resistance, obesity, and hormonal imbalances can help prevent the progression of PCOS and its complications.

Diagnosing PCOS involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and various tests:

1. Clinical evaluation

• A thorough medical history, including menstrual cycle history and symptoms such as acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and male-pattern baldness, is essential.

2. Physical examination

• A pelvic exam may be performed to check for any abnormalities in the reproductive organs.

3. Imaging tests

• Ultrasound is often used to visualise the ovaries and detect the presence of multiple small cysts, which is a characteristic feature of PCOS.

4. Blood tests

• Blood tests are used to measure hormone levels, including androgens, insulin, glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. These tests help identify hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance.

5. Diagnostic criteria

• The Rotterdam criteria, which require the presence of at least two out of three main features (irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound), are widely used for diagnosing PCOS.

An accurate diagnosis of PCOS is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Once diagnosed, your doctor will work with you to manage your symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term complications associated with PCOS.

The management and treatment of PCOS aim to address the various symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Treatment options include:

1. Lifestyle changes

• Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help manage PCOS symptoms and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Adopting a low-glycemic-index diet, which focuses on foods that have a slower impact on blood sugar levels, may be beneficial for women with PCOS.

2. Medications

• Oral contraceptives can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels, thereby improving symptoms such as acne and hirsutism.
• Metformin, an insulin-sensitising medication, may be prescribed to improve insulin resistance and help with weight management.
• Anti-androgen medications, such as spironolactone, can be used to reduce the effects of excess androgens on the skin and hair.

3. Fertility treatments

• For women with PCOS who are trying to conceive, fertility medications like clomiphene citrate or letrozole may be prescribed to stimulate ovulation.
• In some cases, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), may be recommended.

4. Psychological support

• Coping with PCOS can be emotionally challenging, and seeking support from mental health professionals, support groups, or loved ones can be beneficial.

If you suspect you may have PCOS or are experiencing symptoms related to the condition, it is essential to consult with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management plan. Some key instances when you should seek medical attention include:

• Irregular menstrual periods or absence of menstruation
• Difficulty conceiving or recurrent miscarriages
• Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, or back (hirsutism)
• Severe acne or oily skin
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Thinning hair or male-pattern baldness
• Darkening of the skin, particularly around the neck, groin, or under the breasts
• Persistent pelvic pain or discomfort
• Symptoms of depression, anxiety, or mood swings

• PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterised by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries.

• The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but factors such as insulin resistance, genetics, and hormonal imbalances are thought to play a role.

• Common symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain, and fertility issues.

• PCOS can lead to various complications, including infertility, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and psychological distress.

• Treatment for PCOS typically involves lifestyle modifications, medication, and management of associated conditions.

• While there is no guaranteed way to prevent PCOS, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

• Women experiencing symptoms related to PCOS should consult with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management plan.

• With proper care and management, women with PCOS can lead healthy, fulfilling lives and minimise the impact of the condition on their overall well-being.