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Introducing PCOS -

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects women of reproductive age. It is not often talked about, but it is more common than you might think.

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Number crunch -

One review of international evidence suggests that PCOS could affect up to 26% of women in some populations, although a lower prevalence is reported for most populations.

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Main features -

The main features of PCOS are irregular periods, excess levels of 'male' hormones, and polycystic ovaries—ovaries that are enlarged and contain fluid-filled sacs around the eggs.

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Development of symptoms -

Anyone who has two or more of these features might be diagnosed with PCOS. There are many possible symptoms, which usually develop during a woman’s late teens or early twenties.

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Symptoms -

First there are irregular periods. If your period is irregular or does not come at all, it may be a symptom of PCOS.

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Fertility problems -

It can also be more difficult than usual to get pregnant if you suffer from PCOS. This is because your body either ovulates irregularly or not at all.

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Unwanted hair growth -

Another symptom is excessive hair growth. Women who exhibit this symptom normally have more hair than usual on certain parts of their body, including the face and chest.

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Other symptoms -

Other symptoms include weight gain, thinning hair or hair loss, and oily skin or acne. PCOS has also been associated with developing problems such as type 2 diabetes later in life.

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Causes -

The exact cause of PCOS remains unknown. However, it is clear that PCOS often runs in families and is related to abnormal hormone levels, in particular abnormal insulin levels.

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The role of insulin -

The role of insulin is to regulate blood sugar, and many women with PCOS have bodies that are resistant to insulin, meaning that they produce more of it.

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The role of insulin -

The increased level of insulin in the body in turn increases the production and activity of hormones such as testosterone. Being overweight or obese can also increase insulin production.

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Treatment -

Unfortunately there is no cure for PCOS, but there are medications that can be used to manage symptoms. Be sure to consult a doctor if you think you may have PCOS.

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Losing weight -

If you have PCOS and you are overweight or obese, your doctor may well tell you to try and lose weight in the first instance, as this can help alleviate some of the symptoms of PCOS.

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Medicines -

There are also medicines available to treat certain symptoms, such as excessive hair growth, acne, irregular periods, and infertility.

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Infertility treatment -

In some cases, infertility medicines might not be effective and sometimes a treatment called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) is recommended.

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Infertility treatment -

This treatment uses heat or a laser to destroy the ovarian tissue that is producing androgens such as testosterone. Most women with PCOS are able to have children with treatment.

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Lea Michele -

A number of famous figures have spoken about their experience with PCOS. 'Glee' star Lea Michele was diagnosed with the condition after suffering with severe acne and fluctuating weight.

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Lea Michele -

She told Health, “The side effects can be brutal—like weight gain and bad skin. I went to a great doctor, and the minute she looked at me, she was like, ‘Oh, you have PCOS.'"

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Daisy Ridley -

'Star Wars' actress Daisy Ridley has spoken on social media about her PCOS and how it caused her severe acne.

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Daisy Ridley -

She wrote on Instagram, "My skin was THE WORST. I've tried everything: products, antibiotics, more products, more antibiotics and all that did was [leave] my body in a bit of a mess. Finally found out I have polycystic ovaries and that's why it's bad."

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Victoria Beckham -

Posh Spice has been vocal about her experience of PCOS and the fertility struggles that it caused her. She has spoken about how being a celebrity made it worse.

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Victoria Beckham -

She once revealed, "I’m really feeling that pressure. Every time I go out, someone says to me: 'Are you pregnant?’" The mom of four is testament to the fact that pregnancy can happen for PCOS sufferers.

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Emma Thompson -

British actress Emma Thompson has been open about her struggles with PCOS and clinical depression. She had fertility problems, although she was able to fall pregnant with her daughter, Gaia.

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Emma Thompson -

She once said in a magazine interview, "For years I counted people's children in the street and thought I'd never recover. But you do, of course."

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Jaime King -

Actress Jaime King has also spoken about her PCOS-related fertility struggles. She was first diagnosed with endometriosis and PCOS when she was 20, the age she also lost her first baby.

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Jaime King -

The actress suffered five miscarriages and one ectopic pregnancy before her first successful pregnancy, and she has spoken publicly about how difficult that was for her.

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Sasha Pieterse - Star of 'Pretty Little Liars' Sasha Pieterse spoke publicly about how, for her, the most worrying symptom of PCOS was fertility problems. She and her husband wanted to get pregnant.

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Sasha Pieterse -

Happily for the young couple, they were able to get pregnant without fertility treatment. In 2020, Pieterse told People, "Just the fact that we were able to get pregnant was such a blessing because with PCOS that made me nervous."

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Jillian Michaels -

Personal trainer and businesswoman Jillian Michaels also struggles with PCOS, although she keeps her symptoms in check by following a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

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Jillian Michaels -

At one point she spoke to Redbook about her fear of not being able to get pregnant and how it only really developed when she was older and at the age where she might want to have kids.

Sources: (NHS) (RMACT)

See also: Celebs open up about their fertility struggles

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