Why it’s a good idea to find out if you have PCOS

According to Dr Goh, the symptoms of PCOS vary in individuals. However, the most common symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles; obesity, because women may gain weight rapidly due to the underlying hormonal imbalance; and excess androgen, wherein an excess of the male hormone can lead to excessive facial and body hair, severe acne and male-pattern baldness.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown but it is said that hereditary factors sometimes play a role.

“This is a complex trait that results from the interaction of diverse genetic and environmental factors, usually manifesting when mature hormone levels are achieved at puberty. Some women who have PCOS also have other underlying hormonal disorders such as high levels of insulin or insulin resistance,” says Dr Goh.

If PCOS is suspected, hormonal blood tests and an ultrasound scan of the pelvis will be carried out to look for evidence of multiple cysts or follicles in the ovaries. When there is an imbalance of female hormones, the ovaries may not release an egg regularly every month. And if there is an accumulation of unreleased eggs, the ovaries will show a polycystic ‘string of pearls’ appearance on an imaging scan.

While PCOS is not reversible, its symptoms can be managed successfully with lifestyle
change, medication or both and most women with the condition can lead a normal life without
significant complications.

Dr Goh explains that oral contraceptive pills can be used to regulate menses and restore regular menstrual cycles while artificial ovulation can be induced to increase the probability of pregnancy if one is having fertility issues.

“Excessive hair growth can be treated using hair removal methods or with the suppression of male hormone production using hormonal pills, and lifestyle measures such as regular physical activity and dietary changes can be prescribed to those struggling with obesity.”

Due to improper function of ovaries, the common complications of PCOS include fertility related issues such as miscarriage, premature birth or difficulty to conceive. However, PCOS can also worsen the diagnosis of underlying chronic medical diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome.

“According to statistics, more than 50 per cent of women with PCOS will have diabetes or pre-diabetes before the age of 40. Mental health related illnesses such as body image disorder, depression, anxiety and eating disorders may also arise due to physical symptoms caused by PCOS,” adds Dr Goh. She points out that the risk of developing endometrial cancer (lining of the womb) may also increase in women with the condition.