PCOS has three main features, two of which are needed for a diagnosis.
The first is irregular or absent periods – your ovaries don’t regularly release eggs (ovulation) and you are less fertile.
The second is excess androgen – high levels of male hormones, causing hirsutism – excessive hairiness on the face, back or buttocks; weight gain, thinning hair; oily skin or acne.
And the third is polycystic ovaries – your ovaries become enlarged with many fluid-filled sacs (follicles), which may be unable to release eggs.
The cause of PCOS isn’t clear. It’s very common, affecting one in every 10 UK women, although more than half don’t have symptoms. PCOS isn’t directly inherited but sometimes runs in families.
PCOS is also associated with an increased risk of health problems in later life, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, depression, high blood pressure and sleep apnoea. PCOS is linked to abnormal hormone levels, including high levels of insulin, a hormone that controls sugar levels.
Many women with PCOS are resistant to the action of insulin in their body, producing even higher levels to overcome this, which contributes to the increased production and activity of hormones like testosterone. Insulin resistance can also lead to weight gain, making PCOS symptoms worse, causing the body to produce even more insulin, with hormonal abnormalities, the exact reason for which is not known.
Ways to help
-
If overweight, symptoms and the risk of long-term health problems are improved by losing excess weight – just 5% gives significant improvements.
-
Hirsutism and hair loss may improve on some types of combined contraceptive pill and other medication, including spironolactone, flutamide or finasteride – ask your GP.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
Wild walks in WILTSHIRE
Whether roaming across rare wildlife havens or rambling among ancient, sacred stone sculptures, you’re spoilt for choice
‘I'm delighted my daughter is now in NEIGHBOURS!'
Jason Donovan opens up about family life, and why he’s proud to be one of the few over-50s taking part in Dancing on Ice
Perfect ROSES
There’s room for the nation’s favourite in every garden, big or small, and now’s a great time to plant them
Search PARTY
It started with only one lost dog in the woods...
Fine PRINT
Create this pretty patterned tablecloth with a homemade stamp
End of THE LINE
Dazzling, handsome James was on the other side of the platform – and I couldn’t even look him in the eye
A fresh START
Three women reveal why they swapped their conventional day jobs for a new and exciting career
Is It A Cold... Or Covid?
Is your cough just a harmless winter bug? Or is it something more serious? Here’s what to watch for and what to do
Simple steps to control ANXIETY
Worried about how much you worry? Use these easy expert breathing and meditation techniques for a calmer, happier life
‘I'm pleased that summer is just a distant memory'
This week’s columnist: Arthur Smith
CHER SHOCKERS
THE OUTSPOKEN STAR CHEATED DEATH AT THE HANDS OF A CRAZED FAN. PLUS OTHER REVELATIONS FROM A JUICY NEW INTERVIEW.
UK INVESTIGATES GOOGLE'S PLAN TO REVAMP CHROME BROWSER
Britain’s competition watchdog said it launched an investigation into Google’s plan to overhaul its ad data system over worries it could leave even less room for rivals in the online ad industry.
SLACK KICKS OFF 2021 WITH A GLOBAL OUTAGE
Slack, the messaging service used by millions of people for work and school, suffered a global outage on Monday, the first day back for most people returning from the New Year’s holiday.
jAGUAR SMATTERINGS
Howard Snow worked under Lofty England when he was Jaguar's Chairman. Now he lives in Australia, and reports on his new I-PACE.
Britain Still Can't Escape Europe
Brexit will not end the U.K.’s long, fraught relationship with the Continent
FAST LANE: REVVING THE ENGINES ON NEW APPLE CARKEY FEATURE
Though we might still be a few years off the long-rumored Apple Car, this year’s WWDC did not disappoint, lifting the trunk on some exciting new car-related features. Alongside CarPlay enhancements, Apple made its next big leap towards revolutionizing the way we get from A to B, by overhauling the Apple Maps user interface and putting our car keys on our phone.
The Covid Escape Pass
Airlines and other industries are experimenting with digital equivalents of immunity certificates
IN SEARCH OF PLAN B
WHAT ARE YOUR SAILING PLANS FOR 2021 AND BEYOND? ELAINE BUNTING INVESTIGATES THE OPTIONS FOR SAILING IN AN ERA OF UNCERTAINTY
UK AUTHORIZES PFIZER CORONAVIRUS VACCINE FOR EMERGENCY USE
British officials authorized a COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use on Wednesday, greenlighting the world’s first shot against the virus that’s backed by rigorous science and taking a major step toward eventually ending the pandemic.
Sustaining productivity virtually
Maintaining productivity levels among remote employees is an enduring challenge. Here are five ways to help businesses and employees thrive while people work at home.