Can PCOS affect young females too?

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:

• gestational diabetes
• non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• type 2 diabetes
• endometrial cancer
• high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• obstructive sleep apnoea
• uterine cancer

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.