About polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects how ovaries work.
People with PCOS can have fertility problems. It’s also associated with a greater risk of developing diabetes and high cholesterol.
Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
The symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) include:
- irregular periods
- acne
- excess hair on the face or body
- thinning hair or baldness
- weight gain or obesity
- anxiety
- depression.
If your child has these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have PCOS. Many of these symptoms are common in pre-teens and teenagers and can happen without a particular cause.
It’s good to talk with your child about periods. This prepares your child and lets them know what to expect. It’s also a good opportunity to encourage your child to tell you if their periods worry them in any way.
Medical help: when to get it for PCOS symptoms
Your child should see their GP if they have any of the symptoms above, and the symptoms are worrying or upsetting them, or making it hard for them to enjoy life.
Diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in teenagers is challenging. This is because many PCOS symptoms can also be symptoms of other conditions that are common in pre-teens and teenagers. Also, the guidelines for diagnosing PCOS are based on what PCOS looks like in adults.
For a PCOS diagnosis in the pre-teen and teenage years, your child must have the following symptoms:
- irregular periods
- high levels of testosterone.
Your child’s GP will:
- check your child’s blood pressure
- measure your child’s weight and height
- look for signs of high testosterone, like severe acne and a lot of facial or body hair.
The GP might also:
- suggest blood tests to check hormones like testosterone, as well as cholesterol and glucose levels
- ask questions about mood or anxiety problems
- suggest an ultrasound scan to check for polycystic ovaries.
But note that ultrasounds aren’t usually recommended for pre-teens and teenagers within 5 years of starting their periods. This is because teenage ovaries contain a lot of follicles. This might look polycystic on an adult ultrasound, but it’s normal for teenagers.
Doctors don’t always recommend testing for PCOS. This is because PCOS symptoms can be managed without testing and diagnosis. Your child’s doctor will consider your child’s symptoms and let you know whether they think it’s a good idea to test your child for PCOS.
Treatment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
If your child is diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the way it’s treated and managed will depend on your child’s symptoms. But treatment and management usually involve:
- a healthy lifestyle
- medicine
- mental health support.
Healthy lifestyle
This means:
- eating a healthy diet
- doing plenty of physical activity
- getting enough sleep.
If your child has unhealthy weight gain or obesity, weight loss can significantly improve many PCOS symptoms. It’s a good idea for your child to speak to their GP or a dietitian about this issue.
Medicine
The GP or other doctor can prescribe medicine to treat:
- acne
- irregular periods
- unwanted hair growth.
Mental health support
A healthy lifestyle, relaxation exercises and support from a mental health professional can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Causes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
We don’t know what causes polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
It’s thought to be related to insulin and testosterone. When there are high levels of these hormones in the body, it can cause PCOS symptoms.
For example, many people with PCOS have insulin resistance, which means the body produces extra insulin. The extra insulin causes the ovaries to produce too much testosterone, and this affects how the ovaries work. Insulin resistance can also lead to weight gain. And weight gain can cause irregular periods and contribute to higher levels of testosterone.
PCOS can also run in families.