What is PCOS?

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Affecting 8-13% of Australian women, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common and one of the most complex hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age.

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Despite its prevalence, this condition is notoriously difficult to diagnose, with almost 70% of all PCOS cases flying under the radar and remaining undiagnosed.

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In PCOS, there is an imbalance of male sex hormones (aka testosterone) and female hormones (aka oestrogen), and those living with PCOS have been found to have higher-than-average amounts of male hormones, called androgens.

This hormonal imbalance wreaks havoc in the ovaries by preventing eggs from reaching maturity and inherently preventing ovulation. Enter an irregular menstrual cycle, fertility struggles, weight gain, and a whole host of other signs and symptoms…more on the symptoms of PCOS below.

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And just when you thought this condition couldn’t get any more complex, we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that the name of this condition itself is pretty misleading. Despite earning itself the name Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, the supposed little cysts on the ovaries are actually fluid filled sacs, not cysts. Each of these fluid filled sacs contains one immature, unreleased egg.

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What are the symptoms of PCOS?

The symptoms of PCOS look different for everyone – making it difficult to definitively diagnose. While symptoms and their severity differ so greatly from person to person, some of the most common signs of polycystic ovary syndrome include:

• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Weight gain, especially around the midsection
• Excess hair growth and excess body hair
• Hair loss as a result of male pattern baldness
(aka androgenic alopecia)
• No periods (aka Amenorrhhoea)
• Difficulties losing weight
• Acne
• Polycystic ovaries
• Difficulties conceiving (infertility)
• Insulin resistance
• Pelvic pain
• Mood changes (including anxiety and depression)

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What causes PCOS?

While the root cause of this condition is not fully known, things like genetics, family history of the condition, hormones, stressors, and lifestyle choices can play a role.

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Studies have found that immediate relatives of those living with PCOS have a 55-50% increased chance of developing the condition themselves.

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When should I see my doctor?

Because this condition has a reputation for being so hard to diagnose (and the variation in PCOS symptoms from person to person definitely doesn’t help either), if you’re left confused, we don’t blame you.

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If you’re experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, we encourage you to seek support by speaking to a doctor – there’s a chance you could be experiencing PCOS.

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How is PCOS diagnosed?

To help determine if your symptoms are in line with a PCOS diagnosis, your doctor may choose to run blood tests, conduct a pelvic exam, or perform a transvaginal ultrasound.

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The current PCOS diagnostic criteria states that you must meet at least two out of three of the following criteria:

Remember, displaying polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound is not a definitive diagnosis for the condition. This is because you can have polycystic ovaries without having the syndrome. On the same hand, you can also have polycystic ovary syndrome without having polycystic ovaries – provided your doctor has confirmed irregular ovulation and increased male hormones.

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Hazel treats the 4 different types of PCOS:

• Post-Pill PCOS
• Inflammatory PCOS
• Insulin-Resistant PCOS
• Adrenal PCOS

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How is PCOS treated?

While there is no known cure, there are an abundance of PCOS treatments that do exist to help patients manage their symptoms and the signs of PCOS. There are many ways that polycystic ovary syndrome can be managed. Whether you have a preference for conventional medicines, natural treatment, or perhaps a mixture of both, after receiving a PCOS diagnosis, your doctor and care team will work alongside you to manage your symptoms in a way that aligns with your wishes and your lifestyle. Symptoms of PCOS may be managed with the below treatments: 
Conventional medicines (including metformin and myoinositol) Natural medicine and supplementsAcupuncture A balanced diet and nutrient-dense foodsLimiting your intake of refined sugars and highly processed foods

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What are the complications of PCOS?

Along with missed periods, an irregular menstrual cycle, acne, weight gain, hair loss (and growth), and difficulties with fertility, several other complications are often more closely related to PCOS than you might think. With four out of five women with PCOS displaying insulin resistance, you could almost say that PCOS and insulin resistance go hand in hand. This means that the body can produce insulin, but can’t always use it effectively. Over time, this can lead to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. Women with PCOS have a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and endometrial cancer when compared to women without the condition. PCOS has also been linked to high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety.

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Resources And Support

At Hazel, we’ve got you covered from doctors to dietitians, naturopaths to psychologists and anything and everything in between. Our collaborative care team work with each other, and with you, to focus on holistically healing the whole you…whatever that may look like for you. We recognise the significance of personalised treatment plans when it comes to managing inflammatory conditions such as PCOS, and our team will always take your own unique situation, experiences, and wishes into account when preparing your comprehensive care plan.