Not so long ago, you
didn't hear so much
about polycystic
ovary syndrome
(PCOS). It's not that
the disorder didn't
exist way back when;
just that it wasn't
talked about. Now
it's more out in the
open, with people
such as Victoria
Beckham and, more
recently, Suzanne
Shaw from Hear'Say,
speaking candidly
about their
experience with
the condition.

Who gets PCOS?

It is estimated that
5%-10% of all women
of childbearing age
will develop PCOS.
The disorder occurs
when the ovaries
produce higher than
normal amounts of
androgens (male
hormones), and this
can interfere with
egg development
and release. Some
of the eggs may
develop into cysts,
little sacs filled with
liquid. Instead of
being released during
ovulation, as an egg
is during a normal
menstrual cycle, the
cysts build up and
may become enlarged.

What causes it?

No one knows for
sure, but women
with the disorder
frequently have a
mother or sister
with PCOS. Sufferers
often struggle
with their weight,
leading researchers
to suggest
(though not prove)
that obesity
is an indicator.
What are the
symptoms?

It's common for
women with PCOS to
have irregular or
missed periods, as
well as infertility.
Also, as women with
PCOS have raised
levels of androgens,
they may develop
excess facial hair.
Acne is often a
problem, as is
insulin resistance.
Confusingly, women
suffering from PCOS
do not necessarily
have polycystic
ovaries.

Is there a test?

Diagnosis is made by
an ultrasound scan,
which shows the
cysts, and by blood
tests that detect
hormone levels.

Can it be treated?
Traditional
treatment for PCOS
is directed mainly
at the symptoms.
This includes oral
contraceptives to
restore ovulation
and anti-androgen
therapy to reduce
hirsutism. Some
surgical prodedures
also exist.

What if it is left?

If PCOS is not treated
properly, it can put
a woman at risk of
problems such as
infertility, diabetes,
heart disease,
abnormal bleeding
from the uterus,
and cancer.