Frankie Bridge says she’s been diagnosed with polycystic ovaries
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While the underdeveloped sacs (where the reproductive eggs develop) are considered “harmless follicles”, the condition is in fact linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease. For a clinical diagnosis, a woman must present two out of three main features of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). One of the indications of PCOS is “irregular periods”, but what qualifies as irregular bleeding?
“You have irregular periods if the length of your menstrual cycle (the gap between your periods starting) keeps changing,” the NHS clarified.
While the average menstrual cycle lasts for 28 days, it’s completely healthy and normal for people’s cycles to be longer or shorter than this.
Moreover, it’s fairly common for a menstrual cycle to differ by a few days each month, which typically doesn’t suggest PCOS.
Another key indication of PCOS is presenting excess androgen levels in your blood.
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This can be picked up by a targeted blood test arranged by your doctor.
Androgens are labelled the “male” hormones; an excess of which can lead to unwanted facial or body hair.
The other indicator (one of three) that could signal PCOS is when the ovaries become enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sac (i.e. follicles) that surround the eggs.
Fluid-filled sacs are often unable to release an egg, meaning ovulation will not occur; this can lead to difficulties when trying for a baby.
Other symptoms of PCOS might include:
- No periods at all
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair and hair loss from the head
- Oily skin or acne.
If you suspect you might have PCOS, your first point of call is to contact your doctor.
Both the blood test and ultrasound scan on your ovaries can be arranged by taking that first step.
Should a diagnosis of PCOS occur, you might be referred to a gynaecologist or an endocrinologist.
PCOS has been found to be related to “abnormal” levels of insulin in the body.
“Many women with PCOS are resistant to the action of insulin in their body,” the NHS stated.
Thus, the body responds by creating more insulin, which is essential for managing blood sugar levels.
“This contributes to the increased production and activity of hormones like testosterone,” the national health service added.
While there is no cure for PCOS, management will include treating the symptoms you may have.
For example, women trying for a baby can be prescribed medication called clomifene.
Taken at the beginning of each cycle, clomifene encourages the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries.
As for unwanted hair growth, finasteride might be prescribed, which works by blocking testosterone.
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