PCOS: The Evidence-based Guidelines

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread condition affecting around 1 in 8 women in Australia and 140 million women worldwide.

Despite this commonality, PCOS has a confusing name.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome does not involve cysts and is not a primary disease of the ovaries, according to Professor Helena Teede AM, Director of the Monash Centre for Health Research Implementation.

Professor Teede says “PCOS is a metabolic, cardiovascular, reproductive, and dermatological condition.”

PCOS can cause a significant impact on fertility, menstrual cycles, and other health issues.

It involves an overproduction of androgens (male hormones) like testosterone. This hormonal disruption interferes with the normal functioning of the ovaries.

Insulin resistance is also closely linked to PCOS.

The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors.

PCOS can have a big impact on a woman’s life. These can include:

Irregular or absent periods: This can make it hard to plan and can also increase the risk of certain cancers.
Difficulty getting pregnant: PCOS can affect ovulation, making it harder to conceive naturally.
Physical changes: Excess hair growth on the face and body (hirsutism), acne, and weight gain can also result.
Emotional and mental health: PCOS can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Long-term health risks: In the long term, PCOS can increase the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

How can I manage PCOS? The evidence-based guidelines

There are ways to manage PCOS and improve health outcomes. Here are some evidence-based guidelines:

Healthy eating: A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This improves insulin sensitivity.
Foods rich in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This helps prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar levels, which can overwhelm the body and lead to insulin resistance.
Lean Protein: Sources like fish, poultry, beans, and lentils in your meals help stabilise blood sugar levels and promotes satiety, reducing the risk of overeating.
Anti-inflammatory Foods: Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish can help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is often linked to insulin resistance.
Regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Weight management: Even a small amount of weight loss can significantly improve PCOS symptoms.
Medications: Doctors may prescribe medications such as birth control pills to regulate hormones, or medications like metformin to help your body use insulin more effectively.

In some cases, anti-androgen medications can be used to treat symptoms like excess hair growth and acne.

The AskPCOS app has been designed by a global team of PCOS experts and co-designed with women who have PCOS. The information and advice includes several topics such as diagnosis and symptoms, skin and hair, fertility, sexual health and relationships, and weight stigma. It was funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

For more information:

If you have PCOS, you can use the personalised app: AskPCOS