Are my irregular periods a sign of PCOS? Your most-asked questions around this common condition
Our expert consultant gynecologist Saadia Shah separates facts from fear.
Polycystic ovary Syndrome, more commonly known as PCOS is one of the most common hormonal conditions. It affects around one in 10 women of reproductive age.
PCOS affects how the ovaries function. While the exact cause is unknown, it can lead to troublesome symptoms such as weight gain, excess hair on the body and face, infertility and skin problems.
Saadia Shah, a general gynaecologist at London Gynaecology says: “To be diagnosed with PCOS you need either two or more of the following:
- ovaries that have more than 12 tiny cysts;
- hormonal imbalance; and/or
- failure to ovulate every month.
A diagnosis is usually made based on clinical history, symptoms, hormone tests and pelvic ultrasound findings.”
Unfortunately, it can sometimes take up to several years for a PCOS diagnosis as symptoms can often mimic other issues. However, once diagnosed there is a wealth of support to ensure your symptoms don’t disrupt your daily life and to keep the condition under control.
“Many women that come into the clinic are still very unsure as to how they should manage PCOS. Oftentimes, they are not sure what’s even going on in their body to cause their symptoms,” says Saadia.
In a bid to clear a few things up, Saadia answers your PCOS-related questions
Frequently asked questions about PCOS, answered
Everyone tells me PCOS means I’ll struggle to get pregnant. Am I infertile?
It’s not a myth that PCOS can make conceiving trickier, however the true scale of the problem is likely to be much less bleak than you may have heard.
PCOS can make conceiving harder due to irregular or no ovulation. Ovulation is essential for releasing an egg each month to be fertilised. As Saadia explains, most of the women with PCOS are able to conceive naturally or with some help.
“Some may experience difficulties but it’s important to remember that many women respond well to simple treatments which often involve medication to stimulate ovulation. At London Gynaecology we offer the support you need to help increase your chances of conceiving, even if you have been diagnosed with PCOS.”
PCOS might make the route to pregnancy slightly less predictable. However, usually it’s a hurdle rather than a full stop.
My periods are all over the place, so it must be PCOS, right?
If your monthly periods don’t seem to follow a regular, consistent pattern, life can become unpredictable. Planning ahead becomes tricky, especially if your periods are heavy or you suffer from uncomfortable PMS which requires you to rest or stay at home.
Although irregular periods, as well as infrequent periods and no periods at all, can be signs of PCOS, Saadia explains that there can be several other reasons behind the disruption.
Approximately 75 to 85% of women with PCOS will have ‘clinically evident menstrual dysfunction’, according to research but just 7% of the overall population with irregular periods have PCOS.
“Fibroids (non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb), problems with the thyroid or other hormonal issues should be ruled out first,” says Saadia.
“Even over exercising can cause periods to disappear or become irregular; it might not necessarily be down to a medical problem.”
Is it true women with PCOS are physically incapable of losing weight?
Weight gain, especially when it feels out of your control, can make you feel frustrated and defeated. Combine that with some of the other potential PCOS symptoms such as excessive hair growth and acne and it’s easy to feel as though you’ve lost all grip on your body.
But, Saadia says that weight loss is possible.
“Women who suffer from PCOS may find it harder to lose weight and it’s often best to recruit support from diet and hormone specialists. Insulin resistance, which is common in PCOS sufferers, can raise the risk of Type 2 diabetes, so a tailored approach helps. Insulin resistance means the body doesn’t respond to the hormone insulin efficiently, often leading to higher blood-sugar levels and making weight management tougher, but not impossible.”
Not everyone with PCOS has a high BMI though. In fact, individuals with PCOS can be slim or larger than average.
“If you are struggling with your weight, taking action to lose weight can help to manage some symptoms, however it’s important to note that it does not cure PCOS,” adds Saadia.
Is the Pill really the only treatment available for PCOS?
PCOS isn’t actually curable, so instead, it’s about managing symptoms.
“Birth control can help to control symptoms. However, you certainly do not need to go on the Pill if this is something you aren’t comfortable with,” says Saadia.
“Lifestyle changes as well as other medication and certain supplements or targeted treatments may also play a role, so these should also be explored and discussed with your GP or a specialist.”
Unfortunately, depression and anxiety are more common in women with PCOS, but rather than masking these mental health conditions, Saadia says that all women should be offered a psychological assessment and therapy when needed.
“More awareness and education is needed for women and healthcare professionals as many women simply aren’t satisfied with the care they receive when managing their PCOS,” says Saadia.
“At London Gynaecology we make a shared decision by holding hands with the woman, so that she does not feel alone.”
Ultimately, PCOS doesn’t need to be the life sentence you might think it is.
Whether you’ve already been diagnosed or with PCOS and need help managing symptoms, or haven’t been diagnosed but suspect something isn’t quite right, London Gynaecology is here for you. Our team of specialists offer personalised care, tailored to you and your needs.
Book an in-person or digital appointment here.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5542050