• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common female endocrine disorders, effecting approximately 7 in 100 women of reproductive age (12–45 years old) and is thought to be one of the leading causes of female sub-fertility.
• One of the problems associated with PCOS is excess hair growth (hirsutes) and can occur in more than half the women who suffer from the condition. The hair is mainly located on the face, the lower abdomen and chest. The hair growth is due to the increased level of the hormone testosterone.
• A UK charity, Verity, had conducted a study for women suffering with PCOS.  The study revealed that the most embarrassing symptom of PCOS was excessive hair growth.
• For many women, having to deal with excess facial and bodily hair can have significant psychological consequences. Because physical appearance has so much to do with how people relate to each other, hirsutism can be a painful experience.
• Women may be chronically stressed by the amount of time and money they spend removing unwanted hair, to say nothing of the frustration of having it continually grow back.

What can you do to treat the hair growth?

• Unwanted hair can be removed by shaving, waxing, hair-removing creams and electrolysis. However, these methods need to be repeated many times over an indefinite period.
• A cream called Eflornithine (vaniaqa) may be prescribed to rub on affected areas of skin. It works by counteracting an enzyme involved in the production of hair in the skin. Some research trials suggest that it can reduce unwanted hair growth, although this effect quickly wears off after stopping treatment.
• Drugs taken by mouth can also treat hair growth. They work by reducing the amount of testosterone you produce, or by blocking its effect. Drugs include:
  • Cyproterone acetate is an anti-testosterone drug. This is commonly combined with oestrogen as a special contraceptive pill called Dianette®. Dianette® is commonly prescribed to regulate periods, to help reduce hair growth, to reduce acne, and as a contraceptive. However, it cannot be taken long term as there is a risk it can cause blood clots.
  • The combined contraceptive pill Yasmin® (a combination of ethinylestradiol and drospirenone) has been shown to help if Dianette® is not suitable.
  • Other antitestosterone drugs can be advised by a specialist if the above treatments do not help.

Treatment for PCOS

• There is no cure for PCOS and the goal of treatment is to control the symptoms.
• Birth control pill or patch that contains both estrogen and progestin to regulate your menstrual cycle.
• The birth control pill will decrease androgen production.
• Metformin is prescribed to women with PCOS to improve insulin resistance and insulin levels. It aids in weight loss and slows down progression to type 2 diabetes.
• Ovulation induction to treat infertility
• Androgen-blocking medications
• Laser Hair Removal for Excess hair growth
• Lifestyle and diet changes.

What causes PCOS

• The exact cause is unknown however it is related to abnormal hormonal levels.
• Women with PCOS have ovaries that contain cysts. The ovaries make more androgens than normal, high levels of these male hormones can affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation.
• Researchers also believe that insulin could be linked to PCOS. High levels of insulin cause the ovaries to produce too much testosterone levels. A woman’s estrogen and progesterone are out of balance.
• Genetics, a genetic link has been found where a mother, aunt or sister also suffers from the condition. Researchers are also looking into the possibility that certain genes are linked to PCOS.
• Researchers also believe that environmental factors can contribute to PCOS.

Symptoms of PCOS: How do I know I have PCOS

• If you have the following symptoms you should visit your GP: and your GP will arrange for a number of hormonal tests:
• You have irregular periods – this indicates that your ovaries do not regularly release eggs.
• Problems with fertility
• Excessive abnormal hair growth, especially on the beard area, chest abdomen back.
• Acne can sometimes be a symptom of PCOS
• Weight gain is typical is PCOS
• Sometimes decreased breast size
• It can lead to more serious health concerns such as Diabetes and Heart Disease.

Tests your GP will perform

• Your GP will arrange for a number of hormonal tests to confirm diagnosis:
• First a full Medical history will be taken, cycle of your menstrual periods, any weight gain and other symptoms such as excess hair.
• Physical exam, your GP will measure your blood pressure and weight size. He will also check for any physical hair on the skin. So ensure you do not remove hair a week before your visit to the GP.
• Pelvic exam, your GP will want to check if your ovaries are enlarged or swollen by increased number of small cysts.
• A blood test can reveal high levels of male hormones such as testosterone
• A vaginal Ultrasound scan can reveal whether you have a high number of follicles in your ovaries.
• Sometimes the symptoms are unrelated to each other and therefore the condition may be over looked or undiagnosed. So if you have any of the symptoms be sure that the matter is investigated thoroughly.
• The symptoms of PCOS can vary greatly from one person to another.

Lifestyle changes can possibly reduce symptoms of PCOS. All women with PCOS should be encouraged to exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet.

Exercise can help the body regulate insulin and can reduce male hormone levels in the body. Reducing weight will make your menstrual cycle more regular. This may be difficult as women with PCOS have trouble losing weight. But according to the NHS women who just lose 5% of their weight will experience an improvement in their symptoms of PCOS.

A healthy diet will also help with some of the symptoms associated with PCOS. It is recommended that women follow a diet which has a low GI (glycaemic index). Foods that are low in GI can improve and help balance insulin levels. An increase in insulin levels can upset hormonal balance of the body. Diet should include lots of fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts. Quitting smoking is a good idea as smoking has been linked to increased androgen levels.

Dairy free diet is known to work for some people with PCOS. A large amount of dairy is known to increase testosterone levels in the body. There has been a link between consumption of dairy and risk of PCOS. Cows that lactate and produce milk produce hormones. Dairy cows are kept on sex hormones or pregnant so they can lactate so when you drink dairy you are also consuming some amounts of these hormones. Selective breeding of dairy cattle, the use of drugs and injecting the cow with a genetically modified growth hormone allows the cow to produce more milk means the quality of cow’s milk is not the same as it once was. Dairy consumptions spikes up male hormones, androgens and testosterone and increases insulin levels same as sugary foods do. Some clinical papers have shown that dairy aggravates PCOS acne. It stimulates and produces hormones linked to acne.

Many of our clients have reported an improvement in their skin having cut out dairy. Two large controlled trials found that cows milk increased the number of people who got acne and its severity. The human body is not made to digest large amounts of milk on a regular basis.

Although there have been some clinical trials and many people have reported a link of dairy and PCOS the issue is yet not resolved.

A Nutritionist can provide personal advice and support and device an individual diet plan.