Understanding PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects one in every 10 women and those assigned female at birth in the UK, according to the Verity charity.

The condition is the most common cause of infertility in younger women and can lead to pregnancy complications. Despite this, it is one of the most difficult problems to treat as there is no known cause or cure. 

Furthermore, over half of those with PCOS don’t have any symptoms, and lack of awareness suggests the condition is under-recognised, despite it being possible to diagnose and manage in primary care. PCOS affects each person differently and can have a devastating impact on self-esteem, quality of life and general health. There is a strong need for greater awareness of the condition and earlier GP diagnosis so that those suffering can take steps to reduce the risk of long-term complications. 

What’s the cause?  

To understand PCOS, it’s important to note that there is a significant difference between having polycystic ovaries and having the syndrome. The cysts in polycystic ovaries aren’t actual cysts – they are harmless follicles that would normally release eggs at ovulation but haven’t matured enough to do so. These follicles are present in larger numbers than normal, but don’t need to be removed surgically and don’t lead to severe conditions such as ovarian cancer. Those suffering from PCOS, on the other hand, have polycystic ovaries but will also suffer from a variety of other symptoms. 

PCOS is thought to be due to a combination of hormonal imbalances, possibly influenced by genetic and environmental factors, and often runs in families. “The exact cause remains unclear,” explains Dr Unnati Desai, Nuffield Health’s GP national lead. “But it’s a condition associated with increased risks of other health concerns, such as diabetes, stroke, fertility difficulty, sleep apnoea and cancer of the uterus (womb).”

Many people with PCOS have insulin resistance, alongside other hormonal imbalances. This means their body’s tissues are resistant to the effects of insulin (which controls blood sugar levels). Their pancreas has to produce more insulin to compensate, and their glucose levels may be higher than normal. High levels of insulin can cause the ovaries to make too many androgen hormones, such as testosterone, which can lead to weight gain, irregular periods and fertility problems.

“Insulin resistance is a leading cause of developing pre-diabetes, diabetes in pregnancy or type 2 diabetes later in life,” says Dr Desai. “In addition, higher levels of insulin increase the production of androgens from the ovaries, which can make the symptoms of PCOS worse.”

Symptoms 

PCOS symptoms vary from person to person, and range from mild to severe. Due to the fact the symptoms often come and go, they are often not attributed to PCOS initially. 

“Symptoms of PCOS often start in the years after puberty into the early 20s,” says Dr Desai. “However, women may not be diagnosed with the condition until they present to their doctor with menstrual irregularities, difficulty getting pregnant, acne or excessive hair growth or loss in the areas that men tend to be affected.”

When PCOS symptoms do occur, these may include:

• Irregular periods or no periods at all
• An increase in facial or body hair (hirsutism)
• Hair loss or thinning hair
• Being overweight, rapid weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Oily skin and acne
• Irregular or no ovulation
• Reduced fertility – difficulty getting pregnant
• Depression and mood changes
• Obstructive sleep apnoea (if women with PCOS are overweight), causing fatigue and sleepiness in the day.

Diagnosis

PCOS can be a difficult condition to diagnose, despite the blood tests and a pelvic ultrasound scan being relatively straightforward. A diagnosis is made when there are two of the following:

• Irregular, infrequent periods or no periods at all
• An increase in facial or body hair and/or blood tests that show higher testosterone levels than normal
• An ultrasound scan that shows polycystic ovaries.
• Once a diagnosis is made, the patient may be referred to a gynaecologist or endocrinologist, depending on their symptoms. A GP should also check blood pressure and blood sugar levels due to the increased risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Management options

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, but there are ways to improve the symptoms and decrease potential long-term risks. One of the best ways to do this is with weight loss and exercise. If a patient is overweight, losing even just a small amount of weight may make a difference to their symptoms and overall health. 

“Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, not smoking, decreasing alcohol intake and doing regular exercise will reduce the overall risk of the long-term health concerns associated with PCOS,” says Dr Desai. “Losing as little as one to two kilograms of excess body fat can help regulate the menstrual cycle, decrease insulin resistance (therefore decreasing insulin and androgen levels), and improve the chances of getting pregnant.”

Olivia Tyler, Nuffield Health clinical regional fitness lead, recommends that people with PCOS ensure they are getting 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week. “Regular activity and pre-preparing good meals for the week can help to manage weight gain,” she says. “Daily activity is important in glycaemic control, and vigorous aerobic exercise can help to also increase insulin sensitivity. Adding in some resistance training per week will also help as this increases metabolic activity, which also improves insulin sensitivity.”