Information provided by Professor Helena Teede of the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health.

Introduction

• PCOS is often tricky to diagnose because no two cases are alike
• It is a very common condition
• 12 to 18 per cent of women of reproductive age have PCOS
• It is the most common cause of infertility

How do I know if I have it?

Your doctor is the best person to help you find out. Some women have uncomfortable and sometimes, quite distressing symptoms. Remember very few women have the same set of symptoms. Features include:

• Small follicles on the ovaries
• Irregular or occasional periods which can be very heavy
• Difficulties becoming pregnant
• Excess facial or body hair
• Acne
• High levels of fats in the blood including cholesterol and triglycerides
• High levels of the hormone insulin and of other male type hormones like testosterone
• A high risk of diabetes (5-7 times higher than usual)

Women with PCOS can have some or all of these features.

What is the cause?

 Whilst we do not have a clear idea of the causes, there are definitely genetic and lifestyle contributors. We know the following are involved:

• The body being resistant to insulin, which causes a hormonal imbalance that makes it difficult for the ovaries to function
• A lack of physical activity
• Nutritional factors
• Excess body weight in the majority of women

Is progress being made in our understanding of PCOS?

Yes. Recent research from the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health and Monash University has confirmed that women with PCOS have higher levels of:

• the hormone insulin
• higher cholesterol levels as well as
• evidence or early blood vessel damage.

We now know these women have a greater risk of:

• developing diabetes
• they also have higher risk factors for heart disease and have evidence of early cardiovascular damage

The research is some of the first to highlight that this risk is independent of body weight and is related directly to PCOS. Further Jean Hailes/ Monash University research is ongoing into the effects of exercise on PCOS.

So what should I do if I am worried about PCOS?

• Act early
• Seek advice and become well-informed
• Have your symptoms addressed with your doctor
• Blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly (2 yearly) if you have PCOS
• Remember, managing your symptoms will prevent long-term complications.
• Ensure that you have regular periods (4 or more cycles per year is recommended)
• Lifestyle change is important in most women with PCOS
• Doctors may also prescribe medication for diabetes (metformin) or the contraceptive pill or specific treatment to tackle fertility problems

Are there long-term risks?

Yes. But the good news is that they are preventable. If PCOS goes undiagnosed, untreated and unmonitored, risks include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood fats
• High blood pressure
• Potentially heart disease
• Thickening and abnormal cell changes in the womb lining

Content updated November 11, 2005