Polycystic Ovary (Ovarian) Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex  hormonal disorder that affects 12-18 per cent of women of reproductive age.

PCOS can be a complex condition to identify because there are several symptoms and you don’t have to have all of them to be diagnosed with PCOS.

Women who have PCOS may experience:

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Amenorrhoea (no periods)

• Excessive facial or body hair growth (or both)

• Acne

• Scalp hair loss

• Reduced fertility (difficulty in becoming pregnant)

• Mood changes

• Obesity

• Sleep apnoea

You don’t have to have all of these symptoms to have PCOS.

Women with PCOS commonly have high levels of insulin, or male hormones known as 'androgens', or both. The cause of this is unclear, but insulin resistance is thought to be the key problem driving this syndrome.

 

 

Treatment of PCOS
PCOS is a long-term condition and long-term management is needed. Lifestyle modifications can help manage PCOS and improve symptoms.  A dietitian can help you achieve these lifestyle changes.  A dietitian can help achieve lifestyle changes – such as:

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet

• Introducing regular physical activity into your weekly routine – this can have a positive effect on your health in so many ways.

• Weight reduction – research has shown that even five to 10 per cent weight loss can provide significant health benefits

• Reducing insulin resistance through diet and exercise