Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting women of reproductive age. PCOS can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, excess androgen levels and cysts in the ovaries. Irregular periods, usually with a lack of ovulation, can make it harder to become pregnant. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility.1 PCOS affects an estimated 6-13% of reproductive-aged women.1
Symptoms of PCOS include:
- Irregular periods or no periods at all
- Excessive hair growth, usually on the face, chesty, back or buttocks
- Acne on face, back and chest
- Weight gain, insulin resistance and increased diabetes risk
- Infertility
- Thinning hair and hair loss
- Acanthosis nigricans (dark, thick velvety skin) on the neck, armpits, under breasts, groin
A diagnosis of PCOS can usually be made if other conditions have been ruled out and a woman meets at least two of the following three criteria:
- Irregular periods or infrequent periods - indicating the ovaries are not regularly releasing eggs (ovulating)
- Blood tests showing high levels of "male hormones", such as testosterone (or sometimes just the signs of excess male hormones, even if the blood test is normal)
- Scans showing polycystic ovaries
Other clinical signs of PCOS include LH hypersecretion, raised androgens, raised serum prolactin, raised blood glucose and insulin and raised cholesterol levels. Possible causes and drivers of PCOS include weight gain, adrenal dysfunction, a genetic predisposition, ovarian dysfunction and insulin resistance.
Medical treatment include options to manage the symptoms better, and will vary depending on the individual. Lifestyle and diet interventions have shown significant benefit to those diagnosed with PCOS, including weight loss, better blood sugar control (specifically the low GI diet), regular exercise, optimised gut microbiota health, better liver detoxification and reduction of endocrine disruptors.
Reference
- World Health Organisation. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome Last accessed March 12, 2025.
