HEALTH NOTES
ONE-IN-FIVE UK WOMEN IS LIVING WITH PCOS
POLYCYSTIC ovary syndrome (PCOS) is caused by small growths on a woman’s ovaries.
Despite the name, the condition, which affects 20% of UK women, doesn’t actually cause cysts.
Polycystic ovaries produce fluid-filled sacs that contain immature eggs, which means ovulation is less likely.
Signs of PCOS include irregular periods or no periods at all and difficulty falling pregnant.
While the condition doesn’t pose any serious threat to a woman’s health, it is one of the most common causes of infertility in the UK.
Because of higher levels of testosterone in the body, PCOS can cause excessive hair growth on the face and body. Women may also notice weight gain, thinning hair or hair loss and oily skin or acne on their face.
Having polycystic ovaries can also increase a woman’s chance of developing other health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, depression, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
During ovulation, the uterine lining sheds, but if you don’t ovulate every month, the lining can build up, which can increase a woman’s risk of developing womb cancer too.
It’s not known why PCOS happens, but experts believe that it may have a genetic link. The hormone imbalance experienced by women with PCOS may be a contributing factor too.
According to the NHS, the symptoms will often present themselves by the late teens or early twenties.
While there is no cure for PCOS, there are ways that the symptoms can be managed. These include making healthy lifestyle changes and your GP may also prescribe suitable medication too.
With the right treatment, most women with PCOS are able to have children.
If you are concerned that you may have PCOS, the best thing to do is speak to your GP who can carry out checks to rule out other conditions.