Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which women with polycystic ovaries also have one or more additional symptoms and affects millions of women allover the world.

Polycystic ovaries are caused by undeveloped egg containing follicles which then turn into small cysts. This can be due to a number of hormonal abnormalities. Polycystic ovaries (PCO) and Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are very common, affecting around 20 per cent of women. Although PCOS symptoms are treatable, the condition itself cannot be cured.

Symptoms vary widely and range from mild to severe, while some women may only have 1 symptom, some may have 2 or more or all. It wholly depends on the person.

Some of the main symptoms are unwanted facial or body hair, irregular periods or a complete lack of periods, reduced fertility, difficulty becoming pregnant, recurrent miscarriage, oily skin, acne, thinning hair or hair loss, alopecia, weight problems, depression and mood changes.

The causes of PCOS are still not fully understood and there is still much research being carried out on the condition. It may be likely a number of different factors contribute to the syndrome as that would explain the wildly differing symptoms from person to person. It is thought there may also be a genetic link where a greater chance of having PCOS can be inherited but whether the condition develops in such persons will depend on a number of factors such as diet, health and lifestyle.

PCOS is diagnosed through a combination of scans and blood tests to discover ovary abnormalities or hormonal imbalances.

A study by Verity, a UK charity set up to help women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), showed that women consider one of the most common and embarrassing symptoms of PCOS to be excess facial and body hair.

Many women who suffer with PCOS have a condition known as hirsutism, which is excess hair growth in places such as the face, neck, back, chest, hands and feet. As this hair often grows thicker and faster than normal hair, shaving and waxing can often be unpractical and time consuming. Most women with PCOS want something more convenient and long lasting. Laser Hair Removal can help.