Can PCOS affect young females too?

Written in association with: Dr Mark Vanderpump
Published:
Edited by: Conor Lynch

In this article below, Dr Mark Vanderpump, a mightily skilled and experienced London-based consultant endocrinologist, outlines the main symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and reveals whether or not the condition can affect young females.

Can PCOS affect young females too?

Once thought to only affect pre-menopausal women in their 30s and beyond, it is now recognised that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also affect young adolescent girls.

 

In fact, it affects 10 per cent of the global female population, making it the most common endocrine disorder of the childbearing age.

 

What are the most common symptoms of PCOS?

It is estimated that up to 70 per cent of affected women will actually go undiagnosed. This is largely due to the fact that the symptoms are somewhat vague and because many other conditions will present with similar symptoms. For example, Cushing’s syndrome, although very rare, can also cause excess hair (hirsutism) and irregular periods, which are the two main symptoms of PCOS.

 

Other symptoms can include:

 

  • thinning hair that mainly affects the top and front of the scalp (androgenetic alopecia)
  • skin tags on the neck or underarms
  • weight gain
  • acne on the face, chest, or back
  • dark, thickened patches of skin on the neck, groin, or armpit (acanthus nigricans)
  • depression and mood changes

 

How is PCOS diagnosed?

If you think you’re experiencing several PCOS symptoms, especially if you have a mother or sister with the condition, I urge you to consult with your GP.

 

As well as a discussion about your symptoms and family history, diagnosis will depend on blood tests to check your testosterone levels and a pelvic ultrasound to check for the presence of polycystic ovaries.

 

Should you be diagnosed with PCOS, you may be prescribed medication, but it is important to recognise that these are to control symptoms rather than cure the disease. You should additionally request regular check-ups regarding your hormone levels, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure via your GP or your endocrinologist.

 

Why is it so important to diagnose and manage PCOS?

PCOS is a chronic condition, but can be managed to minimise its overall impact on patients’ lives. It is very important not to ignore it as doing so can lead to other serious conditions such as:

 

 

What can I do to help myself avoid PCOS?

The main thing you can do is to adopt a healthy lifestyle of exercise and diet. Overweight women with PCOS can improve their symptoms by losing 10 per cent of their weight.

 

As women with PCOS tend to have higher-than-normal levels of insulin, it is important to ensure to prioritise dietary choices which will cause insulin levels to rise. Watch your portion levels - double the suggested portion of pasta, for example, as this will double your insulin levels. Also, limit your consumption of fats and sugars, and include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

 

Dr Mark Vanderpump is a highly esteemed consultant endocrinologist who is an expert when it comes to treating polycystic ovary syndrome. Check out his Top Doctors profile today.

By Dr Mark Vanderpump
Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism

Dr Mark Vanderpump is a highly experienced consultant endocrinologist based in London who specialises in adrenal gland disorders, hyperparathyroidism and hyperthyroidism alongside hypothyroidism, thyroid disorders and diabetes. Furthermore he has significant expertise in treating polycystic ovaries (PCOS). He practices at The Physicians' Clinic, Wellington Diagnostics & Outpatients Centre and One Welbeck Digestive Health clinic.

Dr Vanderpump has had a career spanning over 30 years, and was previously a consultant physician and honorary senior lecturer in endocrinology and diabetes at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. His main area of expertise is thyroid disease, but his clinical practice includes all aspects of diabetes and endocrinology. He also sees referrals of less frequently-occurring conditions such as thyroid cancer; pituitary conditions such as acromegaly; and adrenal disorders including Addison's disease, plus calcium and bone disorders.

Dr Vanderpump, who is highly qualified with an MBChB, MRCP and MD alongside a CCST and FRCP, did higher training in the West Midlands, North East England and North Staffordshire.

Dr Vanderpump is a respected figurehead in the endocrinology community. He is the former president of the British Thyroid Association and former chair of the London Consultants' Association.

He continues to lecture on diabetes and thyroid disease, is widely published in peer-reviewed journals and has published a book called Thyroid Disease (The Facts). He is also a member of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), where he is also a fellow, the British Thyroid Association (BTA) and the Society of Endocrinology (SoE). Furthermore, he has professional membership of the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) , London Consultants' Association and the Independent Doctors Federation.   
 

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