Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Common Hormonal Disorder in Women

18 October 2024

Do you struggle with irregular periods, weight gain or excess hair growth? Or perhaps you are having trouble getting pregnant?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting approximately 12.6% of women in Malaysia.

However, many women are unaware that this condition exists. Some only discover that they have PCOS after receiving a diagnosis by their doctor, which can often come as a surprise. In fact, it is estimated that up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed worldwide.

We reached out to our Consultant obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr Thow Sun Ta, to explain everything you need to know about PCOS. Read on for an in-depth understanding of this hormonal condition.
 

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries, causing enlarged ovaries with small fluid-filled sacs, called follicles.

These follicles will then produce androgens, which are hormones typically found at higher levels in men. In women, high levels of androgen disrupts the menstrual cycles, causing many of the symptoms commonly associated with PCOS.
 

Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS is not the same for everyone. According to Dr Thow, symptoms can differ from woman to woman. Some may be affected severely, while others may not even experience symptoms at all.

Some of the more common signs and symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Higher level of testosterone
• Cysts around the ovaries
• Weight gain
• Acne and oily skin
• Excessive body and facial hair (hirsutism)
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Hair loss on the scalp
   

What Increases Your Risk of Developing PCOS

These following factors may increase your risk of developing the condition: 

• Family history of PCOS
• Diabetes
• Being overweight or obese
   

What Are Health Risks Associated with PCOS?

Dr Thow warns that paving PCOS puts you at a higher risk of developing certain long-term health conditions. Some of the conditions include the below:

• Infertility
  This is a common problem faced by women who have PCOS. Many women receive their PCOS diagnosis only after seeking help for this specific issue. The hormonal imbalance caused by PCOS affects the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries, making it harder to conceive. 
• Endometrial cancer
  In women, the uterine lining builds up monthly in preparation for pregnancy and is shed during menstruation. Women with PCOS often have infrequent or absent periods, which can prevent the uterine lining from shedding properly ,increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.
• Diabetes
  Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance, where the body cannot effectively use insulin to regulate blood sugar.
• Cardiovascular disease
  Risk factors like obesity and type 2 diabetes are more common in women with PCOS, raising the likelihood of cardiovascular issues.

Given these risks, it's crucial to manage PCOS symptoms to reduce the potential for long-term health complications.
 

Treating and Managing PCOS

While there is no cure for PCOS, Dr Thow notes that it is possible to treat and manage the symptoms and reduce your chances of developing related long term health risks associated. This can include: 

• Lifestyle Changes
  Regular exercise and maintaining a healthier, well-balanced diet can help with managing one’s weight, which in turn can help improve insulin resistance and also positively impact your fertility and ovulation. 
• Medications
  To regulate the menstrual cycle and subsequently ease the symptoms associated with PCOS, oral contraceptive medications may be prescribed. The diabetes drug, metformin may also sometimes be prescribed to improve insulin resistance that women with PCOS have. 

For those looking to get pregnant, fertility medications may be prescribed to help stimulate ovulation. 

It is still possible to live well with PCOS with the effective management of its symptoms. However, PCOS treatment plans vary for each individual, so consulting a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist is essential to develop a plan tailored to your specific needs.

If you suspect you or someone you know may have PCOS or need assistance managing its symptoms, schedule an appointment with our Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist today: https://www.sunwaymedical.com/en/doctor/dr-thow-sun-ta

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