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  • KL Fertility Centre

    LG Lot 23A, 25, 26, 27 & 30 DC MALL,
    No 6 Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Damansara,
    50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

    PCOS Affects 1 in 10 Women. Get the Right Help Early

    PCOS

    Understanding PCOS

    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and can impact menstrual cycles, fertility, and overall health. It occurs when there is an imbalance in reproductive hormones, particularly elevated levels of androgens (male hormones), which can interfere with normal ovulation.

    In women with PCOS, several physiological changes take place.

    • Irregular periods

      Hormonal imbalance can disrupt the regular development and release of eggs from the ovaries, therefore leading to irregular or absent ovulation.

    • High levels of androgen ± insulin

      Women with PCOS often have high levels of androgens resulting in many of the symptoms of PCOS.

    • Polycystic ovaries

      The ovaries may also develop multiple small follicles (typically measuring 2-9mm in diameter) that do not mature properly, contributing to difficulties with ovulation.

       

    PCOS diagram

    The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. PCOS often runs in families, suggesting a hereditary component.

    Many women with PCOS experience insulin resistance, where the body does not respond effectively to insulin. This results in higher insulin levels, which can further stimulate excess androgen production and worsen hormonal imbalance. Obesity can also increase insulin levels and make PCOS symptoms worse.

    Diagnosis of PCOS

    PCOS may be diagnosed if any two of the three following criteria are present:

    • High levels of androgen based on symptoms or blood test.

    • Missed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods.

    • Ovaries that are large or have many cysts on ultrasound.

    Signs and Symptoms of PCOS

    Symptoms can vary from person to person, but it may include :

    • Irregular or absent menstrual periods

    • Excess hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, or upper thighs (hirsutism)

    • Male-pattern baldness or hair thinning

    • Severe acne or acne that occurs after adolescence

    • Oily skin

    • Patches of thickened, velvety, darkened skin (acanthosis nigricans)

    • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

    Women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing other health conditions including :

    • Gestational diabetes or high blood pressure during pregnancy

    • Weight gain, especially around the belly

    • Type 2 diabetes

    • High cholesterol 

    • Cardiovascular disease

    • Sleep apnoea

    Impact of PCOS on Fertility

    PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility, mainly due to irregular ovulation. Irregular menstrual cycles can make it challenging to identify the fertile window, which reduces the chances of timed intercourse without monitoring or support. However, with proper tracking and guidance, it is still possible for women with PCOS to conceive.

    Treatment and Management Options for PCOS

    There is no cure for PCOS, but treatments can improve quality of life, assist with fertility, and help prevent long-term cardiovascular events. Treatment for PCOS depends on individual symptoms and reproductive goals.

    • Lifestyle modifications

      • Regular physical activity - to enhance insulin sensitivity.
      • Adopting a balanced, low glycaemic index (GI) diet - to support better blood sugar control. 

      Together, these changes may help restore a more regular menstrual cycle and ovulation in some women.

    • Medications

      • Insulin-sensitising agents such as metformin may be prescribed to improve the body’s response to insulin and reduce androgen levels.
      • Hormonal treatments, such as oral contraceptive pills or progesterone therapy, may also be used in certain cases to regulate menstrual cycles and protect the uterine lining.
      • Ovulation induction medications are commonly used to stimulate the ovaries to release eggs, thereby improving the chances of conception.

    • Fertility treatment

      • Ovulation induction and timed intercourse to enhance chances of natural conception.
      • Assisted reproductive technology, such as IUI or IVF, may be considered if ovulation induction is unsuccessful or if there are additional factors affecting a patient’s fertility (e.g. blocked tubes, male infertility).

    Seek Help Now

    If you have irregular periods, have been trying to conceive without success, or suspect you may have PCOS, it may be time to seek professional guidance. Speak to a fertility specialist to better understand your condition and explore the most suitable treatment options for your fertility journey. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference in improving your chances of conception. 

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