Dr Fulufhelo TshivhulaSpecialist GynaecologistPolokwane62 Burger street015 291 4310

Polycystic ovaries contain a large number of harmless cysts up to 8mm in size. The cysts are under-developed sacs in which eggs develop. Often in PCOS, these sacs are unable to release an egg, meaning ovulation doesn't take place.

It's estimated that about 1 in every 5 women in South Africa has polycystic ovaries, but more than half of these have no symptoms.

Symptoms of PCOS usually become apparent during your late teens or early twenties. They can include:irregular periodsorno periods at alldifficultygetting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate)excessive hair growth (hirsutism) -usually on the face, chest, back or buttocksweight gainthinning hair andhair lossfrom the headoily skin oracnePolycystic ovary syndrome is associated with an increased risk of problems in later life, such astype 2 diabetesand high cholesterol levels.You should speak to your GP if you think you may have PCOS.SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

WHY IT HAPPENSThe exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but itoften runs in families.The condition is associated with abnormal hormone levels in the body, including having high levels of insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that controls sugar levels in the body. Many women with PCOS have too much insulin in their body, which contributes to the increased production and activity of hormones such as testosterone. Being overweight increases the amount of insulin your body produces.

There's no cure for PCOS, but the symptoms can be treated.If you have PCOS andare overweight, losing weight and eating a healthy diet can help reduce some symptoms.Medications are also available to treat symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular periods and fertility problems.If fertility medications are ineffective, a simple surgical procedure calledlaparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) may be recommended. This involves using heat or a laser to destroy the tissue in the ovaries that's producing androgens such as testosterone.With treatment, most women with PCOS are able to get pregnant.

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