Photo by Sora Shimazaki.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting around 1 in 10 women in the UK. To commemorate PCOS Awareness Month, I will publish a weekly article focused on PCOS throughout September.

What is PCOS?

The main symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, higher levels of "male" hormones, such as androgens, which may cause physical signs like excess facial or body hair, and polycystic ovaries, where the ovaries become enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs.

Other symptoms of PCOS include the complete absence of periods, difficulty getting pregnant, unexplained weight gain, hair thinning or loss, and acne or oily skin.

These signs and symptoms typically appear during the late teens or early 20s. However, more than half of women diagnosed with PCOS do not show any symptoms. 

How does PCOS diagnosis work?

If you experience at least two of these symptoms, you should see your GP where you may be diagnosed with PCOS. Your GP will ask about your symptoms, check your blood pressure, and arrange hormone tests to determine if the condition is caused by PCOS or another hormone issue. You may also need an ultrasound to check for polycystic ovaries and blood tests to measure hormone levels, check for diabetes, or cholesterol. 

Following on from this, you may be referred to a specialist who will help you manage your symptoms through lifestyle changes and medications. Depending on your circumstances, you may also have annual blood pressure checks and diabetes screenings.

The cause of PCOS has not been identified, but it is often hereditary and linked to abnormal hormone levels, such as high levels of insulin and testosterone. 

Additionally, there is no cure for PCOS, but the symptoms can be managed. Some recommended ways to manage PCOS symptoms include losing weight maintaining a healthy diet and using medications to treat symptoms such as excess hair growth, irregular periods, and fertility issues. 

Why is PCOS Awareness Month important?

All these factors which I have outlined above highlight the importance of PCOS Awareness Month. PCOS is hard to diagnose due to its varied symptoms and unknown cause. Without a specific treatment or cure, managing the condition can be challenging. Therefore, it is so easy to feel isolated or that no one else understands what you are going through.

In November 2010, Verity, a UK-based organisation, launched PCOS Awareness Week. Over 10 years later, in parallel with the US, this has become PCOS Awareness Month. 

The aims of PCOS Awareness Month are to:

  • Increase awareness and education about the condition.
  • Improve the quality of life for those affected by helping them manage symptoms and reduce their risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.
  • Promote the need for more research, accurate diagnoses, and better treatments.
  • Recognise the challenges faced by those with PCOS.
  • Encourage governments and organisations to prioritise PCOS as a public health issue.

How can you get involved this month?

This year, alongside, Verity, the sponsoring organisation for PCOS Awareness Month in the US is PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association. If you or someone you know has PCOS, experiences related symptoms, or is interested in learning more about the condition, please visit either of these pages for supporting resources, information, and events.