Key Facts
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects an estimated 6–13% of women of reproductive age.
- Up to 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed worldwide.
- PCOS is the most common cause of anovulation (when the ovaries fail to release an egg during a menstrual cycle) and is a leading cause of infertility.
- PCOS is associated with a variety of long-term health problems that affect physical and emotional well-being.
- PCOS can run in families, and there are ethnic variations in how PCOS manifests and affects individuals.
Understanding PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent yet under-researched endocrinological disorder. An endocrinological disorder occurs when the body produces too much or too little of certain hormones, disrupting essential functions such as metabolism, growth, mood, and reproduction.
PCOS affects females of reproductive age and is often characterized by:
- Menstrual dysfunction
- Infertility
- Hirsutism (excessive, dark, coarse hair growth in a male-like pattern)
- Acne
- Obesity
Despite its global prevalence — with rates varying significantly among Asian communities — there is a notable lack of region-specific epidemiological data.
What Are the Symptoms of PCOS?
Symptoms of PCOS may include:
- Missed periods or very light periods
- Enlarged ovaries or ovaries with multiple cysts
- Excess body hair (including the chest, stomach, and back)
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
- Acne or oily skin
- Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
- Infertility
- Skin tags (small extra pieces of skin on the neck or armpits)
- Dark or thick skin patches on the back of the neck, armpits, or under the breasts
How Is PCOS Diagnosed?
According to the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka, there are three main criteria used to diagnose PCOS:
- Irregular or absent periods
- High testosterone levels (which may cause acne or male-pattern hair growth, also known as hirsutism)
- The appearance of polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound scan
Only two out of these three criteria are required for a PCOS diagnosis. However, many additional symptoms may also be present, including fatigue, insomnia, low mood, hair thinning or loss, difficulty losing weight, and headaches.
Can PCOS Be Cured?
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that PCOS is a chronic condition and cannot be cured. However, many symptoms can be managed or improved through lifestyle changes, medication, and fertility treatments.
Management Options Include
- Speaking to a healthcare professional if you have irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, excessive acne, or excessive hair growth
- Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
- Exercising regularly to help maintain a healthy weight
- Reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes through healthy lifestyle habits
- Using birth control pills to help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms
- Fertility treatments for PCOS-related infertility, including lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery to stimulate ovulation
The Importance of Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle management plays a crucial role in controlling PCOS symptoms. Annual health checks, including blood pressure monitoring and diabetes screenings, are strongly recommended.
There is no proven way to prevent PCOS. However, small steps can help reduce symptoms by eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.
If you have PCOS, remember that you are not alone. Many women face the challenges of living with PCOS. With the right medical guidance and lifestyle support, it is possible to manage symptoms and live a healthy life.
