Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness

*In collaboration with Proxeed.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is quite a common condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries function. It affects at least 1 in 10 women in the UK. Although there is no cure, there is treatment out there to help manage the symptoms.
As so many women often go undiagnosed with PCOS, we have partnered up with Proxeed to help raise awareness and to better understand the condition.

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovaries have a considerable amount of follicles. The follicles are undeveloped sacs where eggs develop. With PCOS, the sacs are unable to release an egg, therefore, preventing ovulation from happening.

What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?

Over half of women that have PCOS do not have any symptoms. However, if you do have symptoms they usually develop between late teens and early twenties stage.
Here are symptoms to look out for –

• Irregular periods
• Pelvic pain
• Weight gain
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Excessive hair growth on the face, back and bottom
• Thinning hair on the head
• Oily skin

What causes PCOS?

It is still unknown what causes Polycystic ovary syndrome but it does run in families.
PCOS is related to abnormal hormone levels which include high insulin levels. Women with PCOS produce a much higher level of insulin as their body is resistant to the action of general levels of insulin. Which in turn, affects hormones and increases the production of testosterone.

How can I help my symptoms of PCOS?

Losing weight

Living with polycystic ovary syndrome often means your insulin levels are much higher, so losing weight and eating a healthy balanced diet will help contribute to a lower blood glucose level. This will also help your hormones reach a normal level.
Losing just 10% in your body weight can help to correct irregular menstrual cycles and improve your chance of conceiving.

Managing hair growth

PCOS can cause excess hair growth due to hormone imbalance. Treatments such as hair removal creams from stores and electrolysis by a trained health professional can be used to remove facial hair.
You can also seek help from your GP who can prescribe skin treatments that will help to slow down the growth process of unwanted hair.

Can I get pregnant with PCOS?

There are a number of options that you can try to help with the chances of becoming pregnant.

• Medicine – A doctor can prescribe medicines such as clomiphene to help you ovulate.
• IVF – In Vitro Fertilisation may be used.
• Losing weight – Losing weight, eating a healthier diet and upping your physical activities will help regulate your periods and improve your fertility.
• Surgery – When a woman has PCOS, the outer of the ovaries is thickened. This is said to be one of the factors that prevent ovulation. An operation to laser tiny holes in the surface of the ovaries will usually rectify ovulation issues for up to 8 months. This procedure is done when all else fails.

Always see your GP should you have any concerns.

Do you have PCOS? Or perhaps you know someone who does.