I remember it like it was yesterday when I walked into the consultation room with my wife. We had been having problems getting fertile trying for a child and had followed the usual medical channels. We were now just one door knock away from visiting the consultant at the local hospital. Call it instinct or intuition but she was already fearing the worst. Like exam results day…sometimes you just know beforehand. The consultant asked questions performed some tests, recorded results and then popped up a picture confirming worst fears….multiple cysts on the ovaries. We were both in a daze after that, all I could think of was to hold her hand. We got out of the office and tried my best to be supportive. She was looking at me for support, reassurance that everything was going to be ok and answers….I didn’t have any answers and not understanding the true extent of this condition gave the impression to my wife that I did not care which was far from true….She was devastated…I could never imagine what was running through her head that day. Could we have babies and make a family, Is my wife going to be alright, Would she need an operation, Is there a cure ? – All these questions were coming up for me but no answers at this time.

Now, as a man I found it in my experience that it is best to leave the ‘usual women stuff’ to the women but due to the lack of information, awareness and confusion (since women may experience different things) of what this is I hope this is useful to you too. Now bear in mind I am no expert on the subject other than being a concerned and supportive partner but if this article can encourage you to search further with the resources below to find ways to improve your diet, fitness and general well-being that will be a great step forward. Just by making small changes to your lifestyle could reduce the impact of this condition and reduce the risk of more severe problems later on in life, even without using drugs or resorting to an operation of any kind.

Firstly, PCOS (PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome) is a complex condition where there are cysts in her ovaries(the organs in a woman’s that produces eggs) which cause it to function abnormally, causing eggs to be released at irregular times.

Symptoms

Some women have no symptoms. Most, however, will have irregular periods or no periods at all. Often women with PCOS find it hard to get pregnant. The abnormalities in hormones can cause many other problems too:

• Acne and excessive body hair (hirsutism) may develop as a result of increased testosterone levels, and some women develop male-pattern balding. The acne can commonly be seen on the cheeks.
• Women with PCOS often gain, and find it hard to lose, weight – more than half are overweight, usually with central or apple shaped obesity which is particularly linked to diabetes and heart disease
• High blood pressure
• A symptom, thought to be linked to insulin resistance is a diffuse velvety thickening and pigmentation of the skin, especially around the neck, armpits, groin, below the breast, and of the elbows and knuckles, known as Acanthosis nigrans
• Many suffer embarrassment because of their appearance, and can become socially isolated and depressed

Causes and risk factors

The precise cause of PCOS is uncertain. Genetics may play a part as it often runs in a family but other factors are important too. Women with PCOS have abnormalities in the production and metabolism of female and male sex hormones such as oestrogen and androgens, which can lead to raised levels of the male hormones in some. These abnormalities disrupt the activity of the ovaries which become enlarged, with a thick outer capsule beneath which cysts may form (these cysts result from problems with egg production and release).

There is also a lack of sensitivity to the hormone insulin (known as insulin resistance) which controls blood sugar levels. As a result the body pumps out high and higher amounts of insulin, which in turn causes raised levels of blood fats and an increased risk of thrombosis.

Being overweight aggravates this situation, so it can become a vicious circle – women with PCOS are especially likely to put on weight and this worsens the condition, so they put on more weight.

Around five to ten per cent of women have the syndrome. It develops during adolescence with the onset of periods. Many women are prescribed the pill at this time, which quite frankly is a one-dimensional solution to a multi-dimensional condition.

Treatment and recovery

Being overweight increases the risk of developing symptoms, so women are advised to determine their ideal weight and maintain it.

Losing just five to ten per cent of body weight may be all that’s needed to correct the hormonal imbalance, thus restoring ovulation and fertility, and helping improve acne and hirsutism.

Hormone therapy is also used to regulate periods, and treat acne and hirsutism.

• Other treatments include standard acne treatments and methods to remove excess facial and body hair, such as electrolysis.

Newer treatments include a drug called metformin that counteracts insulin resistance. Although this is not yet licensed, doctors can prescribe it if they feel it’s appropriate. There is also research underway into ovarian surgery.

Please remember that although you have these signs of infertility, it does not mean you will not get pregnant. There are so many variables to consider before totally giving up. Your doctor will guide you along the path towards parenthood.

There are also holistic ways to reduce PCOS. The book The Ovarian Cyst Miracle offers great tips and techniques. Every PCOS should find something of value from this book. The general idea is that prescribing treatments for the symptons may not be the cure. By holistically identifying the root cause the reason why the symptons are occuring and curing that may well offer longer lasting treatment.

Resources

• A great resource online is Verity which is actually a UK charity for women affected by polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) as well as making great strides to bring about awareness in the medical community

• Another great resource is at SoulCysters which is an awesome online community with other women with PCOS

• Dr David Cahill writes a wonderful article describing in particular which treatments your doctor can prescribe for you