Our medical team
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work.
The main signs/symptoms are:
- Irregular periods (because the ovaries do not regularly release eggs)
- Excess androgen – high levels of ‘male’ hormones in your body, which may cause physical signs such as excess facial or body hair
- Polycystic ovaries – your ovaries become enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs
How does polycystic ovarian syndrome affect your fertility?
Polycystic ovaries contain a large number of follicles that are up to 8mm in size.
The follicles are under-developed sacs in which eggs develop. In PCOS, these sacs are often unable to release an egg, which means ovulation does not take place.
How can polycystic ovarian syndrome be diagnosed and treated?
At Bourn Hall, we use pelvic imaging such as ultrasound scans to detect signs of PCOS. We’ll also arrange for you to have a number of hormone tests to find out whether the excess hormone production is caused by PCOS or another hormone-related condition.
There’s no cure for polycystic ovarian syndrome but symptoms can be treated.
For women with PCOS who are overweight, losing weight and eating a healthy, balanced diet can improve symptoms.
Medicines are also available to treat symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular periods and fertility problems.
If fertility medicines are not effective, a simple surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) may be recommended. This involves using heat or a laser to destroy the tissue in the ovaries which is producing androgens such as testosterone.
