Please remember, we are not medical professionals and cannot provide medical advice. It is essential to seek the opinion of a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your medication or treatment. This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that can affect women and people with ovaries during their reproductive years. It's characterised by a combination of symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated levels of androgens (often referred to as "male hormones") and problems with ovulation. The name "polycystic ovary syndrome" comes from the fact that many individuals with the condition have ovaries that contain numerous small follicles (immature eggs) that appear as cysts on ultrasound exams. However, it's important to note that not everyone with PCOS has cysts on their ovaries, and some individuals with ovarian cysts do not have PCOS.

To be diagnosed with PCOS, there isn't one single definitive test. Instead, healthcare providers typically use the Rotterdam criteria, which requires the presence of at least two out of the following three features:

1. Irregular or absent periods (oligo-ovulation or anovulation): This means infrequent ovulation or a complete lack of ovulation, leading to irregular menstrual cycles (longer than 35 days, fewer than eight periods per year) or the absence of periods.
2. Clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism: This refers to elevated levels of androgens in the body. Clinical signs can include:
   • Hirsutism: Excess hair growth in a male-like pattern (e.g., on the face, chest, abdomen, and back).
   • Acne: Persistent or severe acne.
   • Alopecia: Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair. Biochemical signs are confirmed through blood tests showing high levels of androgens like testosterone.
3. Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound: An ultrasound examination of the ovaries reveals the presence of 12 or more follicles measuring 2-9 mm in diameter and/or increased ovarian volume (>10 mL) in at least one ovary. As mentioned earlier, this feature is not required for diagnosis if the other two criteria are met.

Key aspects of PCOS:

• Hormonal Imbalance: The core issue in PCOS is an imbalance of reproductive hormones, including higher-than-normal levels of androgens and often insulin resistance.
• Insulin Resistance: Many individuals with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning their body's cells don't respond effectively to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. This can lead to the body producing more insulin, which in turn can contribute to higher androgen levels.
• Impact on Ovulation: The hormonal imbalances in PCOS can disrupt the normal development and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). This can lead to irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, and an increased risk of infertility.
• Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risks: PCOS is associated with an increased risk of developing other health problems, including:
  • Type 2 diabetes: Due to insulin resistance.
  • Gestational diabetes: If pregnancy occurs.
  • Cardiovascular disease: Including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
  • Endometrial cancer: Due to infrequent shedding of the uterine lining.
  • **Sleep apnoea.
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Mental Health: Individuals with PCOS are also at a higher risk for mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

Symptoms of PCOS can vary widely among individuals and may include:

• Irregular, infrequent, or absent menstrual periods.
• Heavy or prolonged periods.
• Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) on the face, chin, or other parts of the body.
• Acne.
• Oily skin.
• Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair.
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
• Darkening of skin patches (acanthosis nigricans), often in the neck creases, groin, or under the breasts.
• Skin tags.
• Difficulty getting pregnant (infertility).
• Pelvic pain.
• Anxiety and depression.

PCOS is a complex condition with no single cure, but its symptoms and associated health risks can be managed through lifestyle modifications (such as diet and exercise), medications, and assisted reproductive technologies if pregnancy is desired. Early diagnosis and management are important to reduce the long-term health risks associated with PCOS.