Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can often initially be treated by your GP. But once the symptoms start to affect the way you look and feel, it may be time to see a Specialist. Our Dermatologists can give you expert advice and offer you alternatives for treating problems like acne, excess hair and oiliness. Most of the effects of PCOS on your appearance can be successfully managed – so give us a call and we can help you plan what to do.

What are some of the symptoms of PCOS? 

  • Period problems 
  • Acne, excessively oily skin or hairiness (hirsutism) due to excess male hormones 
  • Infertility 
  • Weight gain 

Menstrual disturbance

PCOS often comes to light during puberty due to period problems, which affects many of those with the disease. Infrequent, irregular or absent periods are all common variations, many finding their periods particularly heavy when they do arrive. The period disturbance may be a sign that there is a problem with regular monthly ovulation. Many teenagers use the contraceptive pill to control their periods as irregularity or heaviness is a common complaint at this time, even in the absence of PCOS. This often leads to a delay in the diagnosis of PCOS with many people not presenting until the pill is stopped and then finding periods cease or become irregular. 

Androgenetic symptoms 

Androgens are a group of hormones, such as testosterone, found at high levels in men but present in women at much lower levels. PCOS sufferers often have higher than normal levels of androgens, which most often cause excess hairiness, but can also cause the reverse, a male pattern of hair loss called androgenetic alopecia. 

Infertility 

Given that the period disruption with PCOS is due to irregular or absent ovulation it is not surprising that it is a common cause of infertility. Some women with PCOS will ovulate normally, some will ovulate less frequently (leading to a delay in getting pregnant) and some will not ovulate at all, meaning that for some treatment will definitely be necessary. 

Obesity 

Around 40% of PCOS sufferers are overweight. Unfortunately obesity itself simulates the symptoms of PCOS in some women who would not have otherwise suffered had they remained of normal weight. It will worsen the symptoms for those who do have PCOS and, unfortunately, the hormone changes associated with PCOS make weight loss more difficult. Women who are thin or of normal weight can also have PCOS. Your periods may be irregular, and as a result you might be at greater risk for a thickening of uterine lining. This is called endometrial hyperplasia.

What is happening to me when I have PCOS? 

  • With PCOS, your body produces too much androgen, which counteracts your ovaries’ ability to make the progesterone necessary for a normal cycle. 
  • As a result, your follicles don’t develop, and instead turn into small cysts on your ovaries. This can cause your ovaries to enlarge. 
  • Excessive androgen can also cause hirsutism, the development of facial hair and hair on other parts of your body. It may even cause a balding problem. Obesity and acne are other recognised outcomes. 

What’s the next step?

If you already have an appointment booked at The Skin Specialist Centre, you can easily add an this treatment/consultation to your booking by calling our friendly team on (09) 524 5011. If you have never been to The Skin Specialist Centre, you can either give us a call on (09) 524 5011 or make an enquiry by clicking on the Enquire Now option below.

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