Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Also called pcos, polycystic ovary syndrome.
A hormonal condition of the ovaries that very often shows itself first on the skin, hair and periods.
Being updatedThe clinic is checking this page against its current practice. Everything here is from the patient leaflet; please ask at your consultation before you rely on a detail.
What it is
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens — male sex hormones that are usually present in women in small amounts. Estimates of how many women it affects vary widely, from 2 to 26 in every 100. Polycystic ovaries are slightly larger than normal and have twice the number of follicles, the spaces within the ovary that release the eggs.
PCOS very often shows itself first on the skin. Suspect it if you develop very oily skin; moderate to severe recurrent acne that does not respond to treatment; irregular, delayed or absent periods; difficulty conceiving; increased facial or body hair; loss of hair on the scalp; moderate to severe dandruff; weight gain; brownish-black discolouration on the neck, underarms, knuckles and elbows; or skin tags on the neck and armpits. Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, raised lipids, cardiac problems, non-alcoholic liver disease and sleep apnoea are long-term risks. Symptoms vary a great deal from woman to woman.
What causes it
The cause is not yet known, but it often runs in families. Women with PCOS have higher than normal levels of testosterone, which accounts for many of the symptoms. The body may also not respond properly to insulin, so blood glucose rises and the body produces even more insulin; high insulin leads to weight gain, irregular periods, fertility problems and higher testosterone.
How we diagnose it
A pelvic ultrasound scan looks at the ovaries, hormonal tests are done, and your doctor may advise others.
How we treat it
Treatment starts with lifestyle: a low-glycaemic balanced diet, low in carbohydrate and rich in fibre, with less sugar, salt and caffeine; regular exercise, at least 30 minutes three times a week, and yoga. Aim to keep your body mass index between 19 and 23. Diet, exercise and weight loss on their own can often reduce the symptoms of PCOS.
Beyond that, PCOS is assessed and managed together by your dermatologist, your gynaecologist and an endocrinologist, because it affects the skin, the periods and the hormones at the same time. What is advised depends on which symptoms affect you most, and any medicine is decided and prescribed by the appropriate specialist after that assessment.
Written from the clinic's own patient leaflet, by Dr. D. A. Satish.
Common questions
- What skin conditions do you treat?
- The clinic's own patient leaflets cover acne and acne scarring, psoriasis, vitiligo, lichen planus and lichen planus pigmentosus, rosacea, urticaria, hidradenitis suppurativa, pityriasis rosea and keratolysis exfoliativa; fungal infections including tinea and pityriasis versicolor; shingles, cold sores, warts, scabies and molluscum contagiosum; male- and female-pattern hair loss; and the skin signs of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Dr Satish's stated special interests are clinical dermatology, acne, aesthetic dermatology and photodermatology.
Related
- AcneAn inflammatory skin disease that blocks the oil glands and causes blackheads, whiteheads, pus-filled spots and cysts.
- Androgenetic alopeciaThe commonest type of hair loss, following a recognisable pattern of a receding hairline and thinning on the crown.
- DandruffFlaking of the scalp that occurs on greasy skin, often alongside acne, and sometimes a sign of PCOS.
Please note
The information on this website is for general education only. It is not a substitute for a consultation, a diagnosis or a prescription. Always see a qualified doctor about your own condition.
Results of any medical or cosmetic treatment vary from person to person. This clinic does not guarantee a cure or a specific outcome.