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POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS)
(Older terminology: polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), Stein-Leventhal syndrome)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) refers to a spectrum of clinical problems due to hormonal and
metabolic imbalance, which can affects the reproductive, and endocrine systems.
How Common?
PCOS affects 5-10% of all women of childbearing age regardless of race or nationality. It may begin during
puberty and become more severe with time.

Causes
The cause of PCOS is unclear. Multiple mechanisms may be involved in causing the disruption of the
relationship between the ovary, hypothalamus-pituitary, adrenal gland and the metabolic system
(hyperinsulinaemia). Between 25 and 75% of patients have some evidence of insulin resistance. Luteinizing
hormone (LH) levels are typically elevated with PCOS and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are
normal or low, but this hormone pattern alone is not diagnostic of the disorder. The androgen (male
hormones) level is also elevated in women with PCOS.
Symptoms and Signs
Irregular menstrual bleeding resulting in periods of light flow along with heavy flow. There may be increased interval between periods, often up to several months. Some may not have periods for a prolonged period of time. Infertility (difficulty in conceiving); miscarriages. Effect of increased male hormone such as acne, oily skin, thinning of the scalp hair (alopecia), hirsutism (increased hair growth on the face, arms, legs and from pubic area to navel).
Diagnosis
Diagnosing PCOS can be difficult. Other similar disorders that can affect the endocrine and metabolic
system should be excluded first before this diagnosis is made. The syndrome has a number of diagnostic
symptoms with no single hard and fast diagnostic test. Criterias for diagnosis will include the following
features
Polycystic ovaries - these are fairly common and involve ovary enlargement from many small cysts. Clinical effects due to increased male hormone (hyperandrogenism), such as acne, oily skin, thinning of the scalp hair (alopecia), hirsutism (increased hair growth on the face, arms, legs and from pubic area to navel). Absence of ovulation - the monthly release of the egg from the ovary fails to take place.
Investigation
Diagnostic tests may include:
Ultrasound scan of the pelvis to look for other causes of abnormal menstrual bleeding (if present) and the ovaries (look for the typical polycystic appearance). Female hormonal evaluation, especially in those with very scanty or irregular menses. Male hormone evaluation if there is an increased male hormone effects Exclude diabetes via an oral glucose tolerance test Endometrial Biopsy in those with prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Preventive measures
Cannot be prevented at present.
Possible Complications
High cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cardiovascular disease; high blood pressure. Endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining). Gestational diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance during pregnancy.
Treatment
Treatment for this disorder depends on the presenting problems, the severity and whether there is a need for pregnancy. The treatment chosen should also help to reduce the long-term consequences. Overweight or obese woman should aim to reduce their weight. This should incorporate a structured diet and exercise program. Infertility is usually treated successfully by improving diet and exercise, weight reduction and drug therapy. If these measures are not successful, conception can usually be achieved by additional drug therapies, laparoscopic ovarian surgery and assisted reproductive techniques. Cigarette smoking should be discontinued due to risk of cardiovascular problems and diabetes. Options for removing excess hair from your face, arms and legs include medications, bleaching, electrolysis, laser therapy, plucking, waxing, and depilation. Hormonal therapy such as progestogens or combined oral contraceptive pills is often used to treat abnormal menstrual bleeding. If pregnancy is not required, these pills can be continued to regulate menses. If pregnancy is desired, then ovulation induction medication is given to improve fertility. The modern combined oral contraceptive pills can also helps to reduce the excessive male hormone effects. Women will see an improvement in severity of acne and hirsutism after 4 to 6 months of therapy.
Insulin-lowering medications such as metformin may be prescribed in certain clinical conditions to improve fertility and reverse the adverse metabolic changes associated with PCOS. Regular follow-up with the doctor is important for early detection and treatment of potential endocrine, gynaecological and metabolic complications such as diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, cardiovascular disease and womb (uterine) cancer.
Disclaimer
This is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical
advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is important for readers to seek proper medical advice when necessary.
Dr Lee Say Fatt
Sime Darby Medical Centre, Subang Jaya
Revised August 2011

Source: http://obgyn.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/PCOS-V2.0-August-2011.pdf