FAQs about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Q: How common is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a health problem that affects 1 in 10 women worldwide in their childbearing age and it hosts a spectrum of embarrassing and upsetting symptoms for the women. Most of PCOS women did not have proper diagnosis.

Q:What is PCOS?

PCOS is a genetic, hormonal, metabolic and reproductive medical condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels. Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones(testosterone). On an ultrasound scan, polycystic ovaries contain multiple harmless follicles that can measure up to 8mm in diameter. These follicles are underdeveloped and usually unable to grow further. This means, ovulation does not take place which causes absence of periods.

Q:What are some of the signs and symptoms?

i Irregular periods or no periods at all,
ii Difficulty in getting pregnant,
iii Excessive hair growth,
iv Weight gain,
v Oily skin or acne,
vi Fatigue,
vii Insulin resistance,
viii High male-hormone levels.

PCOS is also associated with an increased risk of developing health problems in later life, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels.

Q:What can I do about it?

The primary treatment plan for PCOS includes lifestyle changes and medications.

The objectives of treatment aim to – lower your insulin resistance level, regulate menstrual cycle and restore fertility. There are ways to achieve these goals, and it includes diet, exercise and medications. For a more severe case of PCOS, laparoscopic surgery may be able to reduce the number of underdeveloped follicles.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month

You may wonder if there is a particular month of the year that is dedicated to raise awareness of PCOS. There is – the month of September is designated to raise worldwide awareness of this disorder among the general public, women of reproductive age and young girls.