Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects a woman’s hormone levels, especially those in reproductive age.
Women with PCOS produce higher than normal amounts of male hormones called androgens.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but genetics may be a factor.
PCOS affects women’s ovaries, the reproductive organs that produce oestrogen and progesterone hormones.
Healthy living habits such as physical exercise and dieting could help deal with a common cause of menstrual disorders.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects a woman’s hormone levels, especially those in reproductive age. Women with PCOS produce higher than normal amounts of male hormones called androgens. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but genetics may be a factor.
PCOS affects women’s ovaries, the reproductive organs that produce oestrogen and progesterone hormones. As a result there is elevated production of androgen.
“Androgen is associated with many of the symptoms including irregular periods, reduced fertility, acne, weight gain that is difficult to shed of and abnormal hair distribution. Long-term effects include disordered glucose control leading to diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease,” said Dr Alfred Murage, an obstetrician gynaecologist and fertility specialist at Aga Khan University Hospital.
According to Dr Murage, diagnosis is made following symptoms, hormone tests and ultrasound imaging of the ovaries. The ovaries of PCOS women are usually enlarged with multiple follicles, or small cysts, hence the description polycystic ovaries. However, some women will have a polycystic appearance of the ovaries without having the syndrome.
Dr Murage said that PCOS has no cure, but can be managed through healthy eating habits coupled with exercises to maintain a normal weight.
Women should aim for a body mass index (BMI) between 19 and 25. As a result periods become more regular, the skin and hair changes reverse and chances of getting pregnant increases.
“Hormone tablets can also be used to induce regular periods and reverse physical changes. Skin and hair changes may take longer to improve and some women will need to incorporate cosmetic measures like shaving.”
The fertility specialist says attaining a normal BMI is an important initial step.
‘‘However, some women will require ovulation medications and if given and monitored appropriately, there is a higher chance of conceiving. Ovary surgeries are only considered as a last resort,” Dr Murage said.
Women with PCOS should have regular blood sugar, blood pressure checks and related cardiovascular assessment.
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