Conditions

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Dr Michelle Ledbury has a particular interest in PCOS and can diagnose and help treat symptoms you experience from PCOS.

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PCOS

Overview

PCOS is a common hormonal condition which affects up to 1 in 10 women in Australia.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is called a syndrome because not all women with PCOS will experience the same signs and symptoms, and there are different types of PCOS. Symptoms of PCOS can also change over time.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a metabolic condition where two particular hormones including insulin and testosterone are produced at higher levels.

There are several hormones involved in the way the body co-ordinates the process of your menstrual cycle and ovulation (where an egg is released from the ovary). In women with PCOS the ovaries work a little differently because of the effect of higher levels of insulin and testosterone.

The causes of PCOS are not fully understood. Family history and genetics, hormones and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can all play a part.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS can be present in a number of ways. Common symptoms include;

Irregular periods or no periods at all.
Increased hair growth on the face, stomach or other parts of your body
Loss of scalp hair
Easy weight gain, or trouble losing weight
Difficulty getting pregnant
Ance or pimples
Emotional problems, including anxiety or depression, mood changes or low self esteem

With Nurture Gynaecology, our North Brisbane patients (as well as those throughout Queensland), can be assured that they are in a warm, welcoming and safe environment to share all their health concerns.

To find out more about the services we offer or to book a gynaecologist appointment, contact us today for a confidential discussion.

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Diagnosis

How is PCOS diagnosed?

To be diagnosed with PCOS, two of the following criteria need to be met (Rotterdam Criteria);

Irregular Periods or no periods
Symptoms of either Acne, scalp hair loss, increased facial hair and/or body hair or;
A blood test showing higher levels of testosterone or insulin
An ultrasound that shows polyscystic ovaries with more than 20 follicles on either ovary

Generally, a diagnosis of PCOS should not be made in young women less than 21 years of age as most young women without the condition will meet the above criteria at some stage. Dr Michelle Ledbury has a special interest in this area.

Management

How we can manage your PCOS

PCOS is not a condition that will go away, however with the right treatment, and ongoing management throughout your life, it is a completely manageable condition. Good management can improve your symptoms and reduce the long-term effects on your health.

Because there are different types of PCOS, and PCOS can have many symptoms, your treatment needs to be individualised to get the best results for you.

There is no one treatment for PCOS, and often a multidisciplinary approach is required. Our doctors can be involved with a team of healthcare providers (such as your GP, and often others such as a dietician, exercise physiologist and psychologist if required) to give you the best outcome.

Treatment

Treatment of PCOS

Treatment for PCOS should be personalised and could include any of the below;

Optimising your overall health and lifestyle
Weight loss-assistance with this if you are struggling
Management of menstrual abnormalities
Treatment of acne
Treatment of excessive hair
Management of Insulin resistance and diabetes
Fertility Assistance
Reducing your long-term cardiovascular risk factors such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease

There are several lifestyle options and medications that can help. After assessing your symptoms and conditions, Dr Michelle Ledbury will make an individualised treatment plan for you.

RESCOURCES
Jean Hailes Foundation: PCOS

Contact Us

At Nurture Gynaecology, we value honesty, compassion and making our patients feel as at home as possible when they come to see us at the clinic. If this is something you also value, we invite you to book a consultation at our clinic today to find out how we can help you.

Contact us today to book your appointment with Dr Michelle Ledbury.

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