What is PCOS?
In Brief
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Polycystic ovary syndrome is a very common condition that affects millions of women Worldwide.
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It can cause period problems, reduced fertility, excess hair growth and acne.
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Many women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also be overweight.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a problem in which a woman's hormones are out of balance which can cause problems such as
- Irregular periods
- Unwanted changes in the way you look
- Make it difficult to become pregnant.
Most women with PCOS grow too many small cysts on the ovaries which is called polycystic ovaries. These cysts are under-developed sacs in which eggs develop however the eggs are not released, meaning ovulation does not take place.
What are the signs & symptoms?
Symptoms of PCOS usually become apparent during late teens or early 20's. They can include:
- Irregular period
- No periods
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Excessive hair growth
- Weight gain
- Thinning of hair
- Hair loss from the head
- Oily skin
- Acne
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with an increased risk of problems in later life, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels.
How do I know I have it?
For a PCOS diagnosis you will need to have any two of the following three features:
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound scan
- Symptoms of PCOS such as irregular periods or abnormal hair growth
- Abnormal hormone levels in your body which can be detected by special blood tests.
Sometimes women can have one of the above symptoms, for example polycystic ovaries, however this does not necessarily mean you have PCOS.
Polycystic ovaries are commonly a source of many women's problems, some of which can be detected by a simple ultrasound scan & blood test. These are often requested by physicians at the very early stages following a complaint or abnormal test results and can provide valuable & vital information.
At the scan clinic we offer both the scan and the blood tests to check for PCOS. Going privately bypasses long waiting times for these tests & allows quicker & more convenient diagnosis & faster results.
We offer flexible & convenient appointments suited around you and your life with clinics running during the day, evening and weekends.
If you would like to discuss this issue or any others please contact us on 0843 886 4545.
Find out more here.
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