Module aims:
- Provide information regarding PCOS, how it can be diagnosed and managed.
- Highlight the signs and symptoms of PCOS, indicating when you should seek further medical assistance.
- Normalise the conversation around menstrual dysfunction to improve athlete awareness, health and performance.
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
Did you know that 8 to 21% of women are impacted by polycystic ovarian syndrome, most commonly known as PCOS?
PCOS is a condition that arises because of dysfunction within the endocrine system. PCOS has the capacity to impact not only your fertility, but also your mental health, self-esteem, general health, and in turn, your athletic performance.
The hormonal condition generally influences the regularity of menstrual periods and ovulation while raising androgen levels. Since abnormal cycles are the reason why women with PCOS may have problems with their fertility, this chronic disorder is liable for almost 70% of infertility cases where anovulation is concerned. Considering this, an early diagnosis and medical treatment is crucial to protecting the health and well-being of those diagnosed.
What are the signs and symptoms of PCOS?
When on the lookout for PCOS symptoms, there are an array of things to keep an eye out for. These symptoms may include the following:
- Infrequent menstruation and ovulation
- Hirsutism (excessive hair growth especially on the abdomen, back, chest, thighs, & face)
- Acne and oily skin, which can be caused by excessive androgen levels
- Weight gain, which impacts around 80% of those with PCOS
- Patches of dark, thickened skin known as acanthosis nigricans
- Fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries (evident through medical imaging, often a transvaginal ultrasound)
- Infertility
How is PCOS diagnosed?
Achieving a diagnosis of PCOS can be challenging to reach, leaving an estimated 70% of people with the condition undiagnosed and without treatment or intervention.
In the case you are showing symptoms, we encourage you to see a medical professional who can explore your circumstances further. As a general rule, a diagnosis can be reached when at least two of the following symptoms are present:
- Irregular periods or the absence of a period
- High androgen levels – this may be established either via a blood test or through the observation of relevant symptoms such as excess facial or body hair growth, scalp hair loss and acne.
- Polycystic ovaries – the ovaries may be enlarged and/or bordered by clusters of follicles, obstructing the function of the organ. Polycystic ovaries are generally confirmed using ultrasound to check the appearance of your ovaries and the thickness of the lining of your uterus.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, we encourage you to visit your general practitioner (GP) and seek a referral to a specialist gynaecologist for an accurate diagnosis
How does it influence athletic performance?
The diagnosis of PCOS is important as the signs and symptoms of PCOS can be significant, with the consequences of the condition becoming more apparent when reducing your training load or ceasing exercise.
Alternatively, involvement in exercise can play a role in reducing PCOS symptoms, including regulating hormones, assisting with weight loss, improving sleep and improving mood through endorphins.
PCOS also influences insulin sensitivity and carbohydrate handing within those with PCOS so it is important to seek support from an experienced dietician regarding nutrition requirements and management to optimise performance.
How is PCOS treated and managed?
While there is no cure for PCOS, it can typically be managed through lifestyle modifications or medication. Treatment is often aimed at reducing symptoms to improve wellbeing.
If you are experiencing symptoms of PCOS and it’s impacting your day-to-day life, training, mental function and general wellbeing, we encourage you to seek medical assistance.
Accessing professional medical care in the form of a specialised women’s health general practitioner (GP) is important for symptom reduction and ongoing management. This is important as PCOS is a condition that women diagnosed will need to manage throughout their entire lives, so developing healthy habits early is key to preventing the development of complications such as anxiety and depression, diabetes and heart disease.
Your specialised doctor will be able to further explore your symptoms, suggest the most effective management strategies based on your individual circumstances and goals and create an ongoing management plan. They may also refer you onto a specialist gynaecologist, if required.
Lifestyle modifications are often used to manage PCOS, reduce the symptoms and target the irregularities identified at diagnosis. These may include:
Accessing professional medical care for symptom reduction and ongoing management
- Consistent compliance with medication (where applicable)
- Exercising regularly
- Balancing blood sugar levels
- Incorporating nutritious foods into your diet
- Ovulation and menstrual cycle tracking
- Improvement of mental wellbeing
Medications or referral to a psychologist may also be suitable management strategies based upon your symptoms.
When should you see a doctor?
If you think you may be experiencing some of the symptoms associated with PCOS or have concerns about the condition influencing your life and athletic performance, we recommend you get into contact with a specialised women’s General Practitioner or gynaecologist at Ignite Athlete as soon as practical.
As mentioned above, accessing professional medical care in the form of a specialised women’s health general practitioner (GP) is important for symptom reduction and ongoing management.
Your specialised doctor will be able to further explore your symptoms, suggest the most effective management strategies based on your individual circumstances and goals and create an ongoing management plan. They may also refer you to a specialist gynaecologist if required.
If you track your menstrual cycle, this log will be beneficial to bring to your appointment.
Summary
- PCOS is a common condition affecting 8-21% of women that arises due to dysfunction within the endocrine system.
- There are many ways to manage PCOS symptoms, with lifestyle modifications and medications often used.
- Accessing professional medical care in the form of a specialised women’s health general practitioner (GP) is important for symptom reduction and ongoing management.
