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Privacy NoticePolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent but intricate condition impacting hormone levels and ovarian function. The NHS reports that it affects about one in every 10 women in the UK, yet over half may not notice any symptoms. Women’s health guru Dr Shirin Lakhani (drshirinlakhani.co.uk) describes PCOS as causing a “constellation of physical and mental health symptoms”. She notes, “It causes the ovaries to produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones that are usually present in women in only small amounts. This hormone imbalance causes their body to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant.”
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects one in 10 women in the UK
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Typically manifesting in late adolescence or early adulthood, PCOS diagnosis often occurs when women are in their twenties or thirties. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can lead to “anxiety and distress”, Dr Shirin points out. They can be tricky to identify, sometimes slipping under the radar, the Mirror reports. Dr Shirin also highlights the link between PCOS and irregular hormone levels, leading to insulin resistance in many cases. “This is because their bodies make insulin (a key hormone in balancing blood sugar), but they can’t use it effectively. It’s thought that up to 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance. If someone’s insulin levels are high, it is harder for them to lose weight and this can increase the likelihood of certain health conditions such as type 2 diabetes.” Dr Shirin suggests that enhancing insulin sensitivity can be beneficial. “Women can reduce their insulin resistance this relates to how responsive their cells are to insulin and in turn can modify how insulin affects their PCOS symptoms.” Let’s delve deeper into PCOS…
PCOS can cause a whole host of different symptoms, from heavy periods to acne
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Symptoms PCOS dietician Jodie Relf, who also represents MyOva (myovacare.com), lists the most common symptoms as, “Facial acne around the jaw, irregular cycles, excess hair growth around the jaw, top lip, chest, back and stomach, fatigue, carbohydrate cravings, difficulty sleeping, weight gain around the abdomen, difficulty conceiving and skin tags or dark patches on the skin, usually around the armpits, neck and under the breasts.” “Less common symptoms include very painful periods and pain around the ovaries.” Diagnosis Jodie explains that the ‘Rotterdam criteria’ is used to diagnose PCOS and individuals need to meet two of the following three criteria for a diagnosis: elevated androgens, which can be diagnosed by a blood test and/or physical signs such as excess facial hair and acne; ovulatory dysfunction, indicated by irregular or absent periods, and the presence of polycystic ovaries, diagnosed using an internal scan. Jodie adds, “It’s also important to test for and rule out any other conditions that may cause PCOS-like symptoms, such as premature ovarian failure, hypothyroidism and hyperprolactinaemia.” Pain Jodie explains that typical period pain “lasts 48-72 hours, is manageable and doesn’t stop you from doing your normal daily activities”. However, PCOS period pain can be “more severe due to excess inflammation, hormonal imbalances or irregular and heavy periods”. The bursting of small cysts can also cause a brief, intense pain. Treatment As for treatment, Jodie shares that “standard advice from healthcare professionals includes losing weight, or using a hormonal contraceptive or diabetes medicine Metformin.” She adds, “Weight loss does not necessarily improve PCOS symptoms, and weight is not an issue for everyone with PCOS. It can be more beneficial to focus on lifestyle changes eating a balanced diet, moving more to help increase insulin sensitivity, improving sleep and reducing stress, as these impact our hormonal balance.
Treatment can look at lifestyle factors to help ease symptoms
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Diet By making lifestyle changes, individuals can “get to a point where they are free of symptoms completely”, according to Jodie, although this doesn’t mean they no longer have PCOS. “Including lots of foods rich in antioxidants in your diet, such as fruits and vegetables and wholegrain foods, along with healthy fats, specifically omega-3’s, can help reduce inflammation,” she advises. “So add nuts, seeds and oily fish to your diet. A good quality omega-3 supplement can also be helpful. ‘My longest period lasted for over six months’
Georgie Smith was diagnosed with PCOS when she was 23 years old
(Image: Daniel Graves Photography)
Georgie Smith, 25, senior content executive and copywriter at Tribera, was diagnosed with PCOS almost two years ago… “I was diagnosed when I was 23 after having irregular periods. The first thing I thought about was fertility. I was aware of how the condition could cause infertility or problems with fertility, and that was my primary concern. “I haven’t tried to start a family yet but I’ve been warned I may have issues. Me and my partner are more inclined to go down the adoption route, both due to my PCOS, and for other reasons. “PCOS has a whole multitude of symptoms and they are unpredictable. Physical symptoms like body hair, hair loss, weight fluctuations and bloating can be embarrassing, especially when no amount of dieting or exercise seems to make a difference. The non-physical symptoms are also draining, including fatigue and mental health issues. “Typically people with PCOS experience irregular or no periods, but in my case I had extended bleeding. My longest period lasted over six months! This led to extreme fatigue and iron deficiency. Even when it’s treated with medicine, such as regulatory birth control, my periods are still irregular. This is one of the most annoying symptoms I experience personally, as it affects my plans and holidays and tampons are expensive! “Another one is not being able to explain to non-sufferers the weight it adds to everyday life. It’s an invisible illness and there is no way to put the feeling into words that people who don’t experience it could truly understand.”Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnHealthReal Life
