Polycystic Ovarain Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is very common. The underlying cause is insulin resistance which affects ovarian function.
Symptoms include:
Irregular periods- this indicates that the ovaries are not ovulating regularly.
Cysts on the ovaries - this is termed polycystic ovaries, where there are multiple cysts seen on the ovaries on an ultrasound scan.
Androgen symptoms - for example acne, excessive hair growth, hair loss, difficulty losing weight.
Symptoms
Irregular / no periods
Excessive hair growth (face,neck,back)
Weight gain / obesity
Depression
Acne
Greasy skin
Thinning hair / hair loss
Fertility problems
Insulin resistance
PCOS is a risk factor for other conditions such as obesity, elevated cholesterol levels and insulin resistance which can lead to diabetes. There is a genetic component to PCOS, which means that it often runs in families. Stress has been shown to be a risk factor for PCOS also.
Medications - metformin, spironolactone, oral contraceptive pill as needed
+ Things you can do at home
- Healthy diet (low sugar and carbohydrate)
- Stress reduction (yoga and meditation)
- Exercise- this will also help with weight loss
+ The conventional approach
- Weight loss
- Oral contraceptive pill
- Drugs such as spironolactone can be used to treat excess androgen symptoms
- Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD)
+ Our approach at London Hormone Clinic
- We prescribe body identical progesterone to help regulate cycles and counteract oestrogen
- Nutritional advice and supplements to optimise hormones. Jackie McCusker is our resident nutritionist. Find Out More
- Liftstyle and exercise advice
