Understanding PCOS: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, usually known as PCOS, is a common hormonal condition that affects the normal function of the ovaries in reproductive-age women. It is the most common endocrine disorder in females, affecting around 10% of the population, and is characterised by an excess of androgens (male hormones) produced by the ovaries. This can then lead to symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and hair loss. It is also one of the reasons a person may struggle to get pregnant naturally. So this week on “Let's all Talk Fertility” I spoke to Dr. Francisco Anaya from Vista Hermosa in Alicante, Spain about how to best treat it.
According to Dr. Anaya, treatment for PCOS varies depending on the patient's age, reproductive goals, and symptoms. “If it's a woman without a wish of pregnancy, we have to try to regulate her periods in order to have progesterone.” said Dr Anaya. “But in case of infertility, it's not about regulating the periods, it's about restoring ovulation. We have many different drugs that can help us to restore ovulation, such as Metformin, Clomiphene, Letrozole, FSH, or many others. We can also add specific treatments for the symptoms, such as weight loss, hair loss, or acne.”
Dr. Anaya emphasises the importance of seeking medical advice for individuals who suspect they have PCOS. He states, "I think it’s important not to panic. It's a benign condition, and once diagnosed, we have many different ways of treatments to minimise the effects. However people should always visit their GP, and maybe be then referred to a specialist. It's also very important to advise our patients to start keeping a healthy way of life, including maintaining a healthy weight, as it can help restore regulation and minimise symptoms.”
In terms of fertility treatments, Dr. Anaya advises to "do a study” of the patient and their infertility because it’s important to not solely focus only on PCOS. "If everything is normal, we can then start with a stimulation of ovulation. After this, many patients, when we achieve normal ovulations go on to getting pregnant at home without any other treatment.” However if this does not happen, Dr Anaya suggests turning to IVF, which he says is “not so bad” for PCOS patients as they “have the advantage of having many eggs” so the success rates with IVF is quite good.
It is worth noting that while PCOS can impact fertility, by causing irregular ovulation, and can increase the risk of conditions such as hypertension, preeclampsia, and miscarriage, with a with proper diagnosis and treatment, the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy are high.
It’s also advised that individuals with PCOS should try to take control back. Regular visits to a healthcare provider, including a gynecologist and an endocrinologists, are crucial for managing PCOS effectively. Also lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight and following a low-carbohydrate high protein diet can significantly improve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
The good news is that while PCOS can impact the normal function of the ovaries, which may present challenges when trying to conceive, there are effective treatment options available for those who want a family. By working closely with your clinician and making lifestyle changes where possible, people with the disease can increase their chances of achieving a successful pregnancy naturally. Otherwise, with the right support and advice, such as that we can give you at The Fertility Show, there are many ways you can navigate your journey towards parenthood. We hope we are able to help you at the show this May 2024.