Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is not known, although it is likely to be the result of both genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include:

• Acne (spots), excess hair growth on the body, thinning of the hair on the head (male-pattern hair loss), decreased breast size, and deepening of the voice – these symptoms are related to the increased level of the male hormone androgen, which can lead to development of male sex characteristics
• Dandruff
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Increased insulin level
• Infertility
• Irregular menstrual periods – there may be irregular or no menstruation, or long phases of very light or very heavy menstruation
• Obesity and weight gain
• Oily skin

Treatment varies depending on which symptoms bother you most:

• Hormone treatment may be needed in addition to exercise and weight loss to achieve a normal menstrual cycle – the oral contraceptive pill may help to regulate menstruation
• In vitro fertilisation (IVF) may be needed if surgery does not successfully treat infertility
• Laparoscopic keyhole surgery on the polycystic ovaries may be needed if medication fails
• Medication to induce ovulation may be needed to treat infertility
• Some oral contraceptive pills can lower the male hormone levels to reduce facial hair, spots and thinning hair
• Weight loss, healthy diet, and exercise – a normal menstrual cycle may be achieved by exercising and losing weight. The chance of fertility returns with a normal menstrual cycle

Because of the disruption to hormones in polycystic ovary syndrome, including insulin, you may be at risk for insulin resistance syndrome. Insulin is a hormone that is important for metabolising carbohydrates and maintaining blood sugar levels.

As women with polycystic ovary syndrome are often resistant to insulin, which means there is an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke at a younger age.

Other complications include:

• Cancer of the uterus (womb)
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol