What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects 8-13% of reproductive-aged women. In PCOS, an imbalance of female hormones prevents eggs from maturing and releasing from the ovaries. As a result, they form very small cysts. Eventually, the ovaries enlarge, with clusters of fluid-filled cysts on the outside. This leads to a production of high levels of male hormones, irregular menstrual cycles and infertility.
Signs and Symptoms of PCOS to Watch Out For
The symptoms of PCOS can vary from person to person and may include:
- Irregular menstrual periods: irregular/no menstruation, or long phases of very light or very heavy menstruation
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Excess hair growth on the body
- Acne or oily skin
- Scalp hair loss (male-pattern hair thinning)
- Weight gain and obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Elevated insulin levels and obesity
Possible Health Risks and Complications of Untreated PCOS
When PCOS remains unmanaged, it can cause various complications, including:
- Infertility: A hormonal imbalance in PCOS can disrupt normal ovarian function, preventing eggs from developing or being released properly, which may make conception more difficult.
- Pregnancy Complications: Women with PCOS have an increased risk of early miscarriage, often due to hormonal imbalance or insulin resistance, among others. Pregnancy in women with PCOS also carries an elevated risk of complications, including gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia, and preterm delivery before 37 weeks.
- Metabolic: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome often have insulin resistance, where the body can’t use insulin effectively, raising the risk of type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes.
- Heart disease: High androgen levels in PCOS can affect the heart and metabolism, increasing the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, and heart problems.
- Endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial cancer: PCOS increases the risk of endometrial cancer compared to those without PCOS. It’s because missed periods in PCOS can thicken the uterine lining and raise the risk of endometrial cancer.
- Sleep Apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent yet serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. Research has shown that women with PCOS have a greater risk of developing OSA compared with women without the condition.
With proper care and PCOS management, many of these can be managed effectively. Early attention supports both short- and long-term health.
PCOS Treatment and Long-Term Management Options
PCOS is a manageable condition, and treatment can be tailored to your individual goals, whether that’s relieving PCOS symptoms, regulating periods, supporting fertility, managing weight, or improving metabolic health.
Lifestyle and Metabolic Support
Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in managing polycystic ovary syndrome. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, and losing even 5% of your body weight can improve symptoms, support fertility, and enhance treatment effectiveness.
Managing stress and getting adequate sleep also helps maintain hormone balance and overall health.
Medical and Hormonal Treatment
Medications can help manage PCOS symptoms depending on your needs. Combination birth control pills can regulate periods, reduce androgen levels, and improve acne or excess hair growth, while progestin therapy helps maintain regular bleeding and protect the uterine lining.
Fertility-Focused Management
If you are trying to conceive, your healthcare provider may recommend treatments to help trigger ovulation.
Options can include oral medications like clomiphene or letrozole, insulin-sensitising medications such as metformin, or injectable hormones called gonadotropins.
In some cases, specialised fertility assessment or procedures like in vitro fertilization may be considered.
PCOS Treatment and Long-Term Management Options
PCOS is a manageable condition, and treatment can be tailored to your individual goals, whether that’s relieving PCOS symptoms, regulating periods, supporting fertility, managing weight, or improving metabolic health.
Lifestyle and Metabolic Support
Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in managing polycystic ovary syndrome. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, and losing even 5% of your body weight can improve symptoms, support fertility, and enhance treatment effectiveness.
Managing stress and getting adequate sleep also helps maintain hormone balance and overall health.
Medical and Hormonal Treatment
Medications can help manage PCOS symptoms depending on your needs. Combination birth control pills can regulate periods, reduce androgen levels, and improve acne or excess hair growth, while progestin therapy helps maintain regular bleeding and protect the uterine lining.
Fertility-Focused Management
If you are trying to conceive, your healthcare provider may recommend treatments to help trigger ovulation.
Options can include oral medications like clomiphene or letrozole, insulin-sensitising medications such as metformin, or injectable hormones called gonadotropins.
In some cases, specialised fertility assessment or procedures like in vitro fertilization may be considered.
What will the doctor do during consultations?
Here are some things you can expect from our gynaecologists at Eden Women’s Health:
- History taking of symptoms and general health
- Physical examination to including checking for signs of excess hair growth
- Screening using transvaginal ultrasound and associated investigations
- Blood tests to measure hormone levels
- Discussion of treatment options
What will the doctor do during consultations?
Here are some things you can expect from our gynaecologists at Eden Women’s Health:
- History taking of symptoms and general health
- Physical examination to including checking for signs of excess hair growth
- Screening using transvaginal ultrasound and associated investigations
- Blood tests to measure hormone levels
- Discussion of treatment options
Why Choose Eden Women’s Health for PCOS Care
- Personalised care plans: Recommendations are tailored to your individual concerns and health needs.
- Experienced women’s health specialists: Polycystic ovary syndrome is managed by a healthcare professional familiar with a range of women’s health conditions.
- Hormonal and metabolic assessment: Assessments are carried out to help identify factors contributing to your symptoms.
- Evidence-based management: Care approaches follow recognised, evidence-informed medical practices.
- A supportive and respectful environment: Consultations are carried out with care, helping you feel at ease when talking about your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can develop PCOS and at what age?
- PCOS may develop after puberty and is often noticed in women in their 20s or 30s when trying to conceive.
2. Is PCOS a hormonal or metabolic disorder?
- PCOS involves both metabolic and reproductive hormone imbalances, leading to widespread changes in the body’s metabolites.
3. Will PCOS go away, or is it lifelong?
- PCOS cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed with appropriate care. The condition may change over time, and treatment helps control it rather than eliminate it.
4. Can I have PCOS even if my periods are regular?
- Yes, women can still have PCOS even if their periods are regular.
5. Can I have PCOS without cysts on my ovaries?
- Yes. Polycystic ovaries are just one part of the diagnosis. You can have PCOS if you experience irregular periods along with other signs like acne or excess hair growth, even if your ovaries don’t show cysts.
6. Can I still get pregnant naturally with PCOS?
- Yes. Many women with polycystic ovary syndrome can conceive naturally. While PCOS can make getting pregnant more challenging, it is a common and manageable condition. When trying to conceive, it is best to seek guidance from a PCOS specialist in Singapore.
Schedule An Appointment
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life. Eden Women’s Health is here to listen, provide support, and offer personalised care tailored to your needs. If you suspect you have PCOS, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our experienced gynaecologists for a comprehensive discussion.