Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), now officially renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), is a prevalent hormonal condition that impacts a significant number of girls and women, with a prevalence of 1 in 5. This condition primarily affects women during their reproductive years, often resulting in infertility.
Common Symptoms
The symptoms of PCOS can vary depending on the specific characteristics and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
Associated Health Concerns
Patients with PCOS are at risk of developing other medical conditions in the long term:
Diagnosing PCOS
The diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is complex and involves a combination of:
Medical History
Physical and pelvic examination
Blood Tests
Check levels of various hormones
Pelvic Ultrasound
Assess ovaries and multiple small follicles
Treatment of PCOS
Treatment depends on age and individual concerns like excessive hair growth, acne, irregular periods, or infertility.
Lifestyle Modifications
Weight loss as the majority of PCOS patients have weight issues. Lifestyle modification helps with spontaneous ovulation.
Hormonal Management
Oral contraceptive pills to reduce male hormones, help with acne and excessive hair growth, and regularise menstrual cycles.
Ovulation Induction
Clomiphene with or without Metformin, Letrozole, or FSH injections for patients trying to conceive.
Surgical Options
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling for patients resistant to medication. IVF may be considered if other measures are ineffective.
Infertility & PCOS
In patients who have infertility and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, treatment with ovulation-inducing agents like Clomiphene in combination with or without Metformin may be an option.
In patients who do not respond to Clomiphene, other agents like Letrozole and FSH injections are used to induce ovulation. In resistant patients, ovulation induction can be performed by laparoscopic ovarian drilling.
IVF could be considered as an option in patients where the above measures are ineffective.
Learn About Fertility OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
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Book AppointmentPrefer to read more first? Learn more about PCOS on gynaec.com.au, a plain-language patient-education resource by Dr Sivadas.