It’s PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Awareness Month, so we’re looking at some key facts. PCOS is a very common hormone condition. With PCOS, lots of small follicles develop on the ovaries and levels of some hormones are higher than normal.
Symptoms
PCOS affects people differently, but common symptoms include:
- Irregular periods or no periods at all
- Acne or oily skin
- Excess hair growth on the face or body
- Thinning hair or hair loss on the head
- Depression and mood changes
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Weight changes or difficulty managing weight
Diagnosis
Doctors usually diagnose PCOS based on a combination of:
- Medical history and symptoms
- Blood tests to check hormone levels
- Ultrasound scans to look at the ovaries
Treatment
While there’s no cure for PCOS, treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Lifestyle changes like balanced diet and exercise
- Medication to regulate periods or reduce excess hair/acne
- Fertility treatment if trying to conceive
If you think you might have symptoms, speak to your GP or a specialist.
You can find a Q&A all about PCOS Awareness Month with the PCOS charity Verity on our YouTube channel – visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheFertilityAlliance/videos
For more information about PCOS, visit the Verity website – https://www.verity-pcos.org.uk/