Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormone imbalance that affects about one in 10 women. It is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. This condition is associated with increased levels of two hormones in the body – insulin and androgens (male-type hormones) – that cause symptoms such as absent or irregular periods, excessive facial and body hair, pimples, weight gain and challenges with fertility.

Symptoms of PCOS

Women with PCOS may experience different symptoms, and they can range from mild to severe. Symptoms can also change at different stages of your life.

Symptoms may include:

• irregular or no periods
• excess hair on your face or body or both (hirsutism)
• hair loss (alopecia)
• skin conditions such as pimples, acne or a darkened rash
• stress, anxiety and depression
• weight gain.

Causes of PCOS

We don’t know the exact cause of PCOS, but genetics and family history play an important role. It’s estimated that up to a third of women with PCOS have a relative who has PCOS (e.g. mother, aunt, sister or daughter).

About 85% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance. It’s thought that having increased levels of insulin in the body causes the ovaries to work differently, which can lead to production of higher levels of androgens (male-type hormones). This hormone imbalance causes various symptoms.

Diagnosis of PCOS

Your doctor will review your medical history and assess your symptoms. They may also recommend certain tests to rule out other conditions.

PCOS may be diagnosed if you have two or more of the following symptoms:

• Irregular or no periods.
• Features of ‘clinical androgen excess’ (e.g. pimples and excess hair growth) or higher than normal androgen levels (shown in your blood test).
• Polycystic ovaries visible on an ultrasound.

You might be referred to a specialist, such as an endocrinologist (hormone specialist) or gynaecologist, for more detailed assessments.

An early diagnosis and support from a team of specialists can help manage the symptoms of PCOS and reduce the risk of long-term health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Treatment and management of PCOS

Depending on your symptoms, you can seek help from a range of healthcare professionals, including an endocrinologist, gynaecologist, dietitian, dermatologist, exercise physiologist, fertility specialist and psychologist. Your doctor can help coordinate your care and refer you to specialists where needed.

Having a healthy lifestyle is the most effective way to manage PCOS and reduce the severity of symptoms. This includes eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and reducing or stopping harmful habits such as smoking and excessive drinking.

For some women, a healthy lifestyle alone will not improve symptoms. They may also need medicine to manage different symptoms.

It can be hard to manage your weight if you have PCOS. But research shows that in overweight women, even a weight loss of 5% to 10% can improve symptoms.

Physical activity to assist PCOS

Physical activity is an important part of managing PCOS. It can improve symptoms and reduce the risk of developing long-term health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

For women with PCOS, there are many benefits of regular physical activity, including:

• increased energy levels and fitness
• weight loss and maintenance
• improved self-confidence and motivation
• improved emotional wellbeing
• reduced androgen production and insulin resistance
• improved menstrual cycle regularity
• improved fertility.

What type of physical activity is best if you have PCOS?

Research suggests that any type of regular physical activity helps to improve PCOS symptoms – even if there is little or no weight loss.

It’s a good idea to do a variety of physical activities so you stay interested and motivated. The type of activity is not important. It’s more important to enjoy what you’re doing. For example, you might walk with a friend, join a training group or enrol in a fun fitness class. You could also walk a little further from a car park or public transport stop to work.

And remember, physical activity includes walking and household chores as well as sports and planned exercise.

Try to do some type of physical activity every day for 30 minutes and increase this over time. You can break this up into smaller sessions (e.g. 10 to 15 minutes) throughout the day.

A combination of cardio exercise (exercise that increases your heart rate and breathing) and muscle strength activity is recommended.

Body weight and PCOS

PCOS can affect women of all weight ranges. But a heavier weight can increase the hormones responsible for PCOS symptoms. Weight loss can normalise hormone production and lead to improvements in PCOS symptoms. Research shows that in overweight women, even a weight loss of 5% to 10% can improve symptoms.

For women who experience weight-gain or difficulty losing or maintaining body weight, we recommend you speak to your GP and get the support of a dietician and an accredited exercise physiologist.

Often a combination of resistance training and cardiovascular exercise can help regulate bodyweight, but every woman is different and will benefit from individualised help.

You can also read the Australian Government Physical activity and exercise guidelines for all Australians.

How to get started

You may have negative views about exercise for different reasons. If you don’t know where to start or feel you might be at risk of injury, consider seeing a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist for advice and support.

 

If you need further assistance or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at The Physio Movement—we’re here to help you on your journey to better health!