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Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
When does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) occur?
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Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is a leader in women’s health, supported by funding from the Australian Government. We provide trusted and easy-to-understand information to … View Profile
Symptoms may be present from puberty but might also begin later in life.
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Melanie McGrice
Dietitian
Melanie McGrice is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian, one of the few dietitians in Australia to achieve that status. Her success has made her an … View Profile
You'd need to be diagnosed by your GP. However, some signs that you may have PCOS include significant weight gain during puberty, acne, facial hair, difficulty losing weight and/or difficulty getting pregnant. If you think that you may have PCOS it's a good idea to discuss this with your GP.
Then, if you do have PCOS, find a good dietitian who specialises in the area to help you manage it.
Best wishes,
Melanie McGrice
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Arlene Normand
Dietitian
Arlene is a registered practising dietitian, with a private practice in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, and has built a strong business over the last … View Profile
It is not known why some women develop the syndrome but it is known that it is caused by an imbalance of the female hormones resulting in the production of many cysts, called follicles, within the ovaries.
Normally a hormone called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) causes a small cyst to form in the ovary. This follicle contains an egg which is released in the middle of the woman’s menstrual cycle in response to another hormone called luteinising hormone (LH).
In polycystic ovarian syndrome there is an excess of LH and a relative lack of the hormone FSH. This causes lots of follicles to form, none of which burst to release the egg.
As part of this rather complicated hormone imbalance, women tend to produce too much male hormone (androgen), which results in abnormal hair growth, occurring in a male distribution and the formation of acne.
The obesity associated with the condition is thought to be tied up with causing the syndrome but may also be a result of the hormone imbalance.
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