Gynaecology > Polycystic ovary syndrome
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PCOS is a condition, which affects around 1 in 5 women in the UK. Poly means many, and cystic refers not to cysts but to the fluid-filled sacs that surround the eggs in the ovaries.
In addition to this, the condition has two other main components. The first is irregular periods, which are caused by the ovaries not releasing eggs regularly. The second is a higher than normal level of male hormones in the body, which causes the symptom of excess facial or body hair (hirsutism).
In addition to hirsutism, other symptoms include irregular periods or absence of a period, infertility, weight gain, loss or thinning of the hair on the head, and acne.
The condition also comes with an increased risk of other health problems later in life, such as high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. The condition may be diagnosed through blood tests to check hormone levels, and possibly an ultrasound scan.
The causes of PCOS are unknown. It often affects more than one family member. There is a relationship between the condition and high levels of insulin, the hormone that controls sugar levels. In women with PCOS, there is resistance to the action of insulin, which leads to overproduction.
This in turn also triggers the overproduction of testosterone. Weight gain or being overweight can also affect the production of insulin, leading to exacerbation of symptoms. Possible treatments include lifestyle changes, hormone-based medicines, and surgery, but these will all depend on your individual situation and needs.
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