New guidelines are published today on the long-term health impact of polycystic ovary syndrome.
The condition, also known as PCOS, occurs when cysts develop on the ovaries, and/or eggs are not released regularly. High levels of androgen hormones may also be present.
PCOS symptoms can include irregular or absent periods at, difficulty conceiving, excessive hair growth, weight gain and acne. It is also linked to type 2 diabetes and sleep apnoea.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says it wants to give doctors clinically-based evidence on PCOS. They update earlier guidelines published in 2003 and 2007.
The guidelines state that diagnosis should be made using the ‘Rotterdam Consensus Criteria’, a broader definition than is sometimes currently used. Patients should be informed of the possible long-term risks, and should be assessed for cardiovascular disease risk factors at diagnosis. Women mal also experience depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life, so routine screening should be carried out and counselling offered if necessary.
Lifestyle changes – diet, exercise and weight loss – can improve long-term outcomes, adds the guidance.
"This revised guideline provides the latest information on the management of PCOS," says Dr Manish Gupta, co-Chair of the Guidelines Committee. "Women should be made aware of the long-term implications of their condition in a way that is tailored to their individual circumstances.
"PCOS can affect women psychologically and it is vital that they receive the right support for this. Many patients find great benefit from support groups which can help and healthcare professionals should provide sources of information."
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