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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women in Australia and worldwide. It's thought that up to 13% of all women are affected and 70% of these remain undiagnosed.
It can lead to various symptoms, including irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and fertility issues.
While there's no cure for PCOS, evidence-based management strategies can help you effectively manage symptoms, improve your quality of life, and reduce long-term health risks.
Having PCOS doesn't mean that you are infertile.
Understanding PCOS
PCOS is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, including hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and genetics.
Common symptoms include:
Irregular menstrual cycles
Excess hair growth (hirsutism)
Acne and oily skin
Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
Hair thinning or loss
Fertility problems (which are treatable once a diagnosis of PCOS is made)
Ultimately women with PCOS are at risk of other conditions such as:
cardiovascular disease,
Type 2 Diabetes
Depression
Cancer of the uterus.
By making a diagnosis, and getting good advice, you can help reduce the risk of poor health outcomes.
Evidence-Based Management Strategies for PCOS
Lifestyle Changes:
Healthy Diet
A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help manage weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce symptoms. Consider working with a registered dietitian to develop a personalised plan. Avoid fast food and processed foods. If you are overweight, consume less calories and increase your physical activity.
Regular Exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can help with weight management, improve insulin sensitivity, and boost mood.
Stress Management Stress can exacerbate PCOS symptoms. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises and mindfulness to manage stress levels.
Medications:
Hormonal Contraceptives
Oral contraceptive pills can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce acne, and manage excess hair growth, as well as prevent pregnancy. There are many different types. Our doctors will help you choose the right one.
Metformin
This medication can improve insulin sensitivity, which in turn may help with weight management, menstrual regularity, and fertility.
Anti-Androgens
These medications can reduce excess hair growth and acne caused by high androgen levels. Some contraceptive pills contain anti androgens such as cyproterone.
Fertility options
If you are trying to get pregnant, having regular unprotected sex, but its just not happening, we can help. We will give you tailor made advice about next steps.
Seeking Support:
Healthcare Professionals
Consult with one of our GP’s who have a special interest in PCOS, for diagnosis and personalised treatment recommendations. Endocrinologists and gynaecologists are specialists who you may have been referred to, though a GP with extra training in women's health is more likely to take a holistic approach. PCOS is a syndrome, not a disease. Other health care professionals can help too, such as a dietician and an exercise physiologist.
Support Groups
Connect with other women with PCOS through online or in-person support groups. Sharing experiences and information can be empowering and helpful.
Mental Health Support
PCOS can impact your emotional well-being. Seek support from a mental health professional if you're experiencing anxiety, depression, or body image issues. Your usual GP may be able to refer you on a Mental Health Care Plan which allows you to access Medicare subsidised counselling.
The Monash 'AskPCOS' App
The AskPCOS App is dedicated to the condition of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and is based on the best available evidence.
AskPCOS is a reliable and all-encompassing PCOS application created by top PCOS specialists globally and in collaboration with women who have PCOS. It is designed to address your PCOS inquiries and assist you in effectively managing your condition.
AskPCOS has a range of innovative features including:
easy to understand, evidence-based information on PCOS
a question prompt list to assist you when talking to health professionals
a symptoms tracker and analysis tool to help you understand the condition and your body
a discussion forum to connect to other women with PCOS
The AskPCOS App is for those who think they may have PCOS, those who already have a diagnosis, and for those supporting women with PCOS.
PCOS & YOU: A booklet to guide you on how to manage Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, based on the best available evidence and created by leading experts (2023)
This is an easy-to-read guide to help you understand how to care for your health and be as healthy as you can.
Realising or suspecting that you have PCOS can feel like a lot to handle. With so much information out there, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Some of the material you encounter might be upsetting. This booklet was created to offer trustworthy information about PCOS for this purpose.
Remember that the experience of PCOS can differ for each individual. Be careful when handling untrustworthy information, as it could lead to wasting time and money on solutions that are ineffective or possibly harmful.
Our knowledge of PCOS has advanced considerably over the years. While it was once thought to mainly impact the ovaries, we now understand that it is closely tied to hormonal processes in the body. This clarification is crucial in correcting the misunderstanding that PCOS is solely an ovarian disorder. Having accurate information is essential for people managing PCOS.
More 'Trustworthy' Resources for Women with PCOS
You're Not Alone!
PCOS is a manageable condition, and with the right strategies, you can take control of your health and well-being. Remember, you're not alone, and seeking support from one of our GPs is a great place to start. It's likely we will refer you for some basic blood tests and possibly a pelvic ultrasound scan, and you can undertake these investigations in your local area.
If you can commit to a healthy lifestyle, explore treatment options with one of our doctors, and prioritise your mental health, you can effectively manage PCOS.
Don't let it get you down!
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