Polycystic ovary syndrome, also referred to as polycystic ovaries or PCOS, is a condition which affects the ovaries. If you were to look at an ultrasound scan with a person suffering from PCOS, the ovaries would appear bigger than average with an abnormally large number of cysts on the outer surface. These ovarian cysts ultimately develop as a result of a chemical hormone imbalance.

The ovarian cysts prevent the ovaries from developing as normal and therefore the patient may be unable to produce an egg capable of being fertilised. This means that she rarely ovulates and is therefore less fertile. Sufferers will often experience irregular periods or may go for many weeks without a menstrual cycle.

The external and physical symptoms are often what cause the patient to become increasingly distressed about the condition. You may experience increased facial and body hair, also known as hirsutism. Hirsutism is excess hair which grows in a male-type pattern and indicates a higher than normal level of the testosterone hormone. This excess hair is usually found under the chin, on the upper lip, forearms, lower legs, and on the abdomen. You may also suffer from acne of the face and experience rapid (or faster than normal) weight gain. This is common in women with PCOS because their body cells are resistant to the sugar-control hormone insulin. This insulin resistance prevents the cells using sugar in the blood normally and the sugar is instead, stored as fat. If able to conceive, you may also be more susceptible to miscarriage due to an increased level of luteinising hormone; a hormone produced by the brain that affects ovary function.

The diagnosis of PCOS is primarily based on the patient\'s symptoms and physical appearance. Your GP will usually suggest blood investigations to detect hormone imbalances such as high levels of testosterone (the male sex hormone) and prolactin. An ultrasound examination will reveal the ovarian cysts.

Some women may not experience any physical symptoms with PCOS and therefore if fertility is not an issue, do not feel the need to seek further help. If the symptoms are apparent however, then further advice and treatment, and possibly specialist referral is recommended. The most common conventional method of controlling PCOS is with the use of the combined oral contraceptive pill which helps to suppress ovarian testosterone production. The use of metformin is also effective in reducing testosterone levels and in regulating the menstrual cycle. It also helps to maintain a healthy weight.

It is surprising however how PCOS can be controlled by simply enforcing lifestyle and diet changes. Ensuring you take regular exercise, are of a healthy weight, and maintaining a BMI between 19 and 25 is essential as this is frequently all that is required to correct the hormonal imbalance. This will then help to restore ovulation and fertility, and improve acne and hirsutism. Eating six small meals per day based on a diet containing a range of complex carbohydrates, fruit, vegetables and protein will help stabilise insulin levels. The combination pill or metformin will indeed reduce the cysts and chemically maintain a hormone balance.