PCOS Perth
Everything you need to know about PCOS
In a nutshell
Women with PCOS may not ovulate and have abnormal hormone levels. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is different for everyone, affecting women’s health and chances of having a baby.
PCOS Perth
What is PCOS?
PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a women’s health condition that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It’s related to an imbalance in hormones, and even medical professionals acknowledge its complexity.
“PCOS is a hormonal condition, but the exact cause is not fully understood. Factors like genetics, family history, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences may contribute to its development.”
Often women find out they have PCOS when they are trying to have a baby and face difficulties falling pregnant. That is because PCOS can lead to having irregular periods, which in turn can result in unpredictable ovulation.
Symptoms can vary greatly: Two women with PCOS might have completely different experiences, and in some cases, there may be no noticeable symptoms at all.
When we think PCOS might be a possibility, we’ll look for the following signs and symptoms:
- Difficulty conceiving: You might be undergoing a set of standard tests since you’ve been trying to conceive without success. A usual fertility assessment involves tests to monitor your ovulation, and through this, we might discover that PCOS is influencing your cycle.
- Irregular / missed / heavy menstrual cycles: After ovulation, your uterus lining sheds, leading to menstruation. However, if PCOS causes uneven hormone levels, it can disrupt your cycle, including ovulation and menstruation. This often results in missed or heavy periods.
- Cysts in the ovaries: Polycystic ovarian syndrome often means multiple fluid-filled cysts with immature eggs. These eggs disrupt the natural cycle, leading to irregular periods.
- Signs of hormonal imbalance: PCOS symptoms stem from a hormonal imbalance, and they vary among women. Some women experience acne or facial hair growth, while others face weight issues, hair loss, sleep issues, stress or anxiety.
- Risks of associated health conditions: Polycystic ovary syndrome can relate to other health concerns. It’s vital to consider your overall women’s health.
Gynaecologist PCOS Perth
How do we diagnose PCOS?
Often, GPs refer women to us when they have difficulty conceiving or they have other symptoms like facial hair, acne, or weight concerns.
“As your gynaecologists, we will talk about your medical history, family history and discuss potential symptoms. We will then arrange a set of blood tests to assess your hormone levels. These tests are important to detect hormonal imbalances. We will also use an ultrasound to check whether you have ovarian cysts.”
Our formal diagnosis combines your blood results, ultrasound findings, and a comprehensive review of your symptoms and overall women’s health. For example, if you have two or more of these symptoms:
- Irregular or absent periods,
- Acne, excess facial or body hair, baldness or high levels of androgens in the blood,
- Many small underdeveloped eggs on the ovaries (polycystic ovaries) that are visible on an ultrasound.
PCOS treatment Perth
How is PCOS treated?
As your symptoms may differ from other women’s symptoms, PCOS treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
For example, if you have
- Difficulty conceiving, we may use fertility treatments to stimulate ovulation,
- Inconsistent menstrual cycle, we may prescribe birth control medication to regulate your periods,
- Ovarian cysts, we may also prescribe birth control medication to reduce the formation of new cysts,
- Signs of hormonal imbalance, we may prescribe Metformin to address insulin resistance, often linked to those hormonal fluctuations,
- Potential related health concerns, we may recommend certain lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise plans.
Can I fall pregnant with PCOS?
Yes, you can. However, as mentioned earlier, PCOS is one of the common causes of infertility in women due to irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation. With the right treatments and interventions, many women with PCOS can ovulate regularly and increase their chances of falling pregnant.
PCOS Perth Women’s Health
Perth Women’s Health for PCOS
Dealing with PCOS can be challenging. At Perth Women’s Health, we understand that PCOS often involves multiple aspects of your health, including fertility issues. Our team is well-equipped to look at the bigger picture. That’s why we also collaborate with allied health professionals, like dietitians, and with other specialists (endocrinologists) to provide you with comprehensive care.
At Perth Women’s Health, we’re not just about medical expertise; we’re also about understanding and support. We know that dealing with PCOS can be tough. That’s why we’re here to listen, to talk, and to make sure you feel heard.
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Level 2, Suite 64-66
100 Murdoch Drive
Murdoch WA 6150
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