PCOS symptoms include weight gain, acne and irregular menstrual cycles.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects an estimated 10% of women of reproductive age. It is characterised by an imbalance of reproductive hormones, metabolic abnormalities, and the formation of ovarian cysts.
The cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While there is no cure for PCOS, it can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments.
You can also contact Lotus Medics, as we are able to offer our PCOS treatment to patients in Orange, Parkes and Bathurst and Central West NSW.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterised by an imbalance of hormones, including an excess of androgens (male hormones) and a lack of progesterone.
Women with PCOS often have enlarged ovaries with small cysts, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, abnormal hair growth, acne, and infertility. Despite the name, there might not always be cysts on the ovaries to suffer from this condition.
Common causes of PCOS
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but the following are some of the most commonly cited risk factors:
- Genetics: PCOS is believed to have a strong genetic component, and studies have shown that it can run in families.
- Obesity: Women who are overweight or obese are more likely to suffer from PCOS.
- Insulin resistance: Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Women with PCOS often have difficulty processing insulin, resulting in unbalanced insulin levels, which can lead to an increase in androgen production.
- Stress: Prolonged stress has been linked to an increase in androgen levels, which can trigger symptoms of PCOS.
- Diet: Eating a diet that is high in refined carbohydrates and processed foods can lead to insulin resistance
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Typically women with PCOS will have cysts developed on one or both ovaries.
Risks for PCOS
Women with PCOS are at increased risk for certain health problems, such as:
- Infertility: One of the primary risks of polycystic ovarian syndrome is infertility. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of infertility due to hormonal imbalances and irregularities in the menstrual cycle.
- Metabolic Syndrome: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic disorders that are associated with PCOS. This includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to the insulin resistance associated with the condition.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing heart disease and stroke due to the metabolic and hormonal imbalances associated with the condition.
- Endometrial Cancer: Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer due to prolonged exposure to excess estrogen without progesterone.
- Depression and Anxiety: Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety due to hormonal imbalances and physical symptoms associated with the condition.
A healthy lifestyle, weight and regular exercise, along with medication, can help manage the symptoms of PCOS.
PCOS treatment costs in Orange, Bathurst, and Parkes
PCOS treatment costs at our Orange, Parkes and Bathurst practices will largely depend on your individual condition, the cause and the specific type of treatment recommended.
At your initial consultation, a thorough examination will be done to determine the best course of treatment.
Dr Kotasthane will walk you through your options when it comes to:
- Consultation costs
- Additional test costs
- Surgery costs
- Laparoscopy costs (if necessary)
Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on our pricing. You can also visit our costs page on our website for more information.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
PCOS can be difficult to diagnose because it has many varying symptoms, and no single test can confirm the diagnosis. A doctor may diagnose PCOS based on a combination of:
- physical exam findings
- medical history
- lab tests to check hormone levels
- ultrasound images
How is PCOS treated?
We typically treat PCOS through lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and regular exercise, weight loss when necessary, and medications such as birth control pills or anti-androgens to help regulate hormone levels.
In addition to lifestyle changes and medications, other treatments for PCOS may include fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), to help women with PCOS become pregnant.
Surgery may also be an option in some cases. It is important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
How Lotus Medics can help with PCOS treatment
At Lotus Medics, we always put the safety and well-being of our patients first and foremost. We know that every woman is unique, with unique symptoms and causes, and we offer customised treatment plans.
Dr Sachin Kotasthane has extensive experience in treating women suffering from PCOS.
Meet Dr Sachin Kotasthane
Dr Sachin Kotasthane, due to his experience and training, is able to offer comprehensive care for women that may require PCOS treatment.
He is an experienced Obstetrician and Gynaecologist who trained in the UK across various specialised skills, including advanced Laparoscopy, Urogynaecology, Pelvic Ultrasound, High-risk Obstetrics and Menopause Management; you will be in good hands.
He has worked as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Glasgow, and then moved to Orange NSW and is now able to offer world-class women’s health advice, services and procedures.
Where to find PCOS treatment in
Orange, Parkes and Bathurst?
We are conveniently located at the following physical locations. Please contact us to book a consultation at the practice closest to you.
Orange
Bloomfield Medical Campus, Level 2/1521 Forest Rd, Orange NSW 2800
Bathurst Specialist Centre
Bathurst Specialist Centre, Building 1470, Panorama Ave, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst NSW 2795
Parkes
Ochre Health Medical Centre 335 Clarinda St, Parkes NSW 2870
Frequently Asked Questions
If you require more information on PCOS treatment, please read our most frequently asked questions.
Can PCOS be cured?
PCOS cannot be cured, but it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications. Making changes to your diet and exercise routine, taking medications, and seeing a doctor regularly can help manage the symptoms of PCOS.
Where does one get excessive hair growth when suffering from PCOS?
Excessive and unwanted hair growth is a common symptom of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). It is caused by an excess of androgens (male hormones) in the body, which can lead to the overproduction of hair in areas that are typically associated with males, such as the face, chest, and back.
Is PCOS a serious health problem?
Women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing certain serious health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and blood vessel problems, and uterine cancer.
Additionally, they may have difficulty becoming pregnant (fertility issues). Treatment for PCOS is recommended to prevent other health problems from developing.
How can excess hair growth and hair loss be both signs of PCOS?
Excess hair growth and hair loss are both common symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). Excess hair growth (hirsutism) is caused by an excess of male hormones, such as androgens, in the body. This can cause increased facial and body hair in the chest, abdomen, face, and back.
Hair loss (alopecia) or thinning hair is also caused by an excess of male hormones in the body. The hair loss is usually on the head and can be seen as male-pattern baldness.
PLEASE NOTE: This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor. A second opinion is also encouraged.
How to schedule an appointment
for PCOS treatment
Book your initial consultation with Lotus Medics by calling us at 1300 3LOTUS (1300 356887),
or emailing us at info@lotusmedics.com.au. You can also book online via our online form.