PCOS is a condition defined by a collection of signs and symptoms. The symptoms of PCOS that one patient experiences can be very different from the symptoms of another patient. If you have two or more of the following symptoms, you need to have a thorough checkup to determine if you have PCOS and need treatment:

• Irregular or missing menstrual periods
• Very light or very heavy periods
• Infertility
• Excess or unwanted body or facial hair growth
• Male pattern baldness or thinning of hair on the scalp
• Weight problems: Weight gain and difficulty in losing weight
• Skin problems: acne, skin tags, dandruff and darkening skin
• Pelvic pain

Polycystic ovaries are very common and can affect up to 20% of women. This means that 1 in 5 women may have this condition. It is estimated that 10 million women worldwide are affected by this condition. The prevalence is very high in women of South Asian and Middle Eastern origin. In these women it presents at a younger age and with severe symptoms.

The common PCOS symptoms mentioned above are already difficult enough for most women, but some will experience additional complications which will further affect the lives of these women suffering with this condition, including:

• Type 2 Diabetes: more than 50% of women with PCOS will have diabetes or pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance) before the age of 40
• Heart and blood vessel problems: This risk is 4-7 times higher in women with PCOS than women of the same age without PCOS
• High cholesterol level
• Stroke
• Uterine cancer
• Sleep apnea (when breathing stops for short periods of time while asleep). This causes:
  • Snoring
  • Daytime fatigue
• Affect on mood
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
• Complications of Pregnancy
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Preterm birth
  • Pre eclampsia

Treatments are chosen based on a woman's symptoms, age and future pregnancy plans. Treatments for PCOS may include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Surgery
  • Laparoscopic surgical treatment of the ovaries for women who show lack of ovulation and pelvic pain

One of the best treatments for PCOS is a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet low in refined carbohydrates is important, as this can help regulate blood sugar levels. Exercise can also help the body regulate insulin and keep excess weight off. Losing weight is challenging with PCOS, but doing so can help reduce the male hormone levels in the body, and some women will begin to ovulate naturally. With a proper diagnosis, lifestyle changes and PCOS treatment, women can get relief from this condition and the overwhelming health problems it can cause.

Dr Salma Kayani is officially trained by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK) in the medical and surgical treatment of this common yet difficult problem, which is faced by young girls and young women of reproductive age.

If medical treatment is not helping you, Dr Salma Kayani performs a short operation through keyhole surgery to treat your ovaries after which your period problems improve and your chances of natural pregnancy become very high.