Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormone disorder affecting around 10% of women.

Women diagnosed with PCOS usually suffer at least two of the following issues:
• lack of ovulation (anovulation)
• chronic high testosterone hormone levels (hyper-androgenism)
• ovaries with multiple follicles (over 20).

PCOS is diagnosed by taking a patient history and conducting an examination, pelvic ultrasound and blood test.

Symptoms of PCOS

• Irregular or missed menstrual periods
• Difficulty maintaining a healthy weight (50% of women with PCOS are overweight)
• Increased hair growth (hirsutism)
• Acne
• Infertility
• Thick endometrial lining (as the lining is not shed regularly which can lead to episodes of abnormal bleeding )
• Metabolic syndrome – which leads to elevated blood pressure, diabetes, increased risk of heart disease and obesity with increased weight around the abdomen

Investigations

• Hormone evaluation including male hormones such as testosterone often elevated
• Full blood examination with LFT (there is an increased risk of fatty liver)
• Lipid profile (often abnormal lipid profile is detected)
• Glucose testing

Treatment
  • If pregnancy is not desired the oral contraceptive pill with an antiandrogen is the best form of treatment and prevention
  • If pregnancy is desired, oral therapies such as clomid or letrozole can be used (although note there is 10% increased risk of a multiple pregnancy)
  • Lifestyle changes are important, and a low carbohydrate diet should be followed
  • Metabolic issues should be treated with metformin
  • Where there is resistance to the use of clomid – ovarian drilling may be considered – a surgical procedure to burn the follicles – this comes with risk of scarring and damage to the ovary and its function
  • Low dose Gonadotropins if oral agents do not induce ovulation (there is an increased risk of a multiple pregnancy of between 20-30 %)
  • IVF is generally considered if ovulation therapy fails or if the patient wishes to avoid a multiple pregnancy.

Would you like to join us for an evening all about fertility?

Dr Lynn Burmeister (CREI) will be joined by incredible staff to present on your fertility options. You will have time to ask questions and have more in-depth private discussions.

When: 6 pm to 8 pm, 17th of April 2024
Where: Level 2/120 Jolimont Road, East Melbourne