PCOS care
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common hormonal condition that can stop you ovulating regularly. Most women with PCOS can get pregnant with the right support.
With Datuk Dr. Navdeep Singh Pannu, FRCOG, at Alpha IVF & Women's Specialists, Kota Damansara
- How common
- Up to 1 in 10 women of reproductive age
- Diagnosis
- Two of: irregular periods, high male hormones, polycystic ovaries on a scan
- First step
- Lifestyle support and ovulation tablets
- Also affects
- Weight, skin, hair and long-term health
What it is
In PCOS the hormones that control ovulation are out of balance. Eggs may not be released every month, so periods become irregular or stop. Many women also have higher levels of male hormones (androgens), which can cause acne and extra hair growth, and insulin resistance, which makes weight harder to manage.
Despite the name, not every woman with PCOS has cysts, and not every woman with polycystic-looking ovaries has PCOS. It is diagnosed from your symptoms, blood tests and a scan, after other causes are ruled out.
Who it can help
- Irregular, infrequent or absent periods
- Not ovulating, or not sure if you ovulate
- Acne or extra hair growth with irregular cycles
- Difficulty losing weight
- Trying to conceive with a PCOS diagnosis
- Ovulation tablets that have not worked
How it works
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Confirm the diagnosis
Your history, hormone blood tests, a pelvic scan, and tests for blood sugar and cholesterol.
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Lifestyle support
Even a 5–10% weight loss, if you are overweight, can bring back ovulation. Diet and exercise advice suits your routine.
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Ovulation induction
Tablets such as letrozole help an egg mature, with scans to check that you ovulate and to time intercourse.
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Next steps if needed
Low-dose injections, IUI, or IVF with a protocol designed to keep the risk of overstimulation low.
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Long-term health
Advice on periods, weight, blood sugar and heart health, which matter beyond pregnancy too.
Good to know
Side effects and risks
- Ovulation medication can occasionally mature more than one egg, leading to twins; scans help keep this risk low
- Women with PCOS are more prone to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during IVF, so doses are kept gentle
- PCOS raises the risk of diabetes in pregnancy, so blood sugar is checked early
It is manageable
PCOS cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled and fertility helped. Many women with PCOS conceive with simple treatment.
Weight is not the whole story
Women of every size have PCOS. Lifestyle changes help many, but they are only one part of the plan.
Long-term health
PCOS can raise the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease later in life, so regular checks are worthwhile. See diabetes and fertility.
Questions people ask
Can I get pregnant with PCOS?
Yes. Most women with PCOS who need help to ovulate respond to tablets, and other options are available if they do not.
Do I need to lose weight first?
If you are overweight, losing even a little weight improves ovulation and pregnancy health. It is not required before you start treatment.
Will I need IVF?
Usually not at first. IVF is considered when ovulation treatment has not worked, or when there is another problem such as blocked tubes or low sperm count.
Does the pill treat PCOS?
It regulates periods and helps acne and hair growth, but you stop it when trying to conceive.
Further reading
This page is general information and does not take your personal circumstances into account. Please speak to your doctor for advice that is right for you. Disclaimers