Understanding PCOS
POLYCYSTIC ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynaecological disorder that, according to New Scientist, affects one in five women worldwide.
Symptoms include infrequent menstrual cycles, hair loss, excessive body hair, weight gain, depression, acne and hyperpigmentation.
Due to its myriad symptoms, many often turn to Google for answers. However, advice found online may often lead to more harm than good.
Here to separate fact from fiction is Datuk Dr Zamri Abdul Rahim, a consultant at Avisena Specialist Hospital (formerly known as DEMC Specialist Hospital).
He weighs in on the common misconceptions tied to the syndrome.
Misconception 1: Only overweight women have PCOS
All patients, regardless of size, are diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria:
Hyperandrogenism – Excessive levels of male sex hormones such as testosterone
Ovulatory dysfunction – Irregular menstrual cycle and not ovulating
Polycystic ovary – Excessive follicles
If two of the above criteria are found, diagnosis is made accordingly.
Misconception 2: Weight loss is the cure to PCOS
Excessive weight gain is caused by high level of testosterone from the ovaries, resulting in a spike in insulin levels.
Even though PCOS cannot be cured, regular exercise and a balanced diet can control the symptoms.
Misconception 3: You cannot get pregnant if you have PCOS
While PCOS may lead to infertility, those trying to conceive can still seek treatment.
This includes birth control pills to regulate your period, inositol, lipid acid and metformin.
According to Dr Zamri, it is advisable to treat PCOS at an early stage to decrease the risk of developing metabolic syndrome as you get older, which could result in diabetes, hypertension and cancer.