One in five women including Victoria Beckham and Jools Oliver suffer polycystic ovary syndrome – but only HALF show signs

IT is a common condition affecting one in five women in the UK, including celebs Victoria Beckham and Jools Oliver.

But half of those with polycystic ovary syndrome will have no idea they are suffering the condition, that can leave a woman infertile.

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For many the only hint of PCOS is irregular periods, while in more severe cases sufferers can be left with embarrassing hair growth on their faces, chest, back and backside.

The condition affects how a woman's ovaries function.

It occurs when the sacs the ovaries sit in are unable to release an egg, which means ovulation doesn't happen.

In these cases becoming pregnant naturally is impossible, as no egg is released into the fallopian tube ready to be fertilised.

The condition can also lead to an absence of periods, which can also make it difficult for a woman to become pregnant.

But it doesn't always spell the end of being able to have children.

Victoria Beckham and Jools Oliver are proof it is possible to defy the odds - with nine kids between them.

With the right treatment, it is possible for a woman with the condition to conceive, experts say.

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What are the symptoms of polycystic ovaries?

If a woman does show any signs of the condition is it usually in her late teens or early 20s, according to the NHS.

However, in many cases doctors can struggle to diagnose the condition.

Many women don't show any symptoms at all and if they do they tend to be very mild.

The signs to look out for include:

• irregular periods, or no periods at all
• difficulty getting pregnant
• excessive hair growth, especially on the face, chest back and bum
• weight gain
• thinning hair or hair loss
• oily skin or acne

Having polycystic ovaries also increases a woman's chance of developing type 2 diabetes, depression, high blood pressure and high cholesterol and sleep apnoea later in life, the NHS warned.

Having irregular periods can also increase a woman's risk of developing womb cancer.

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How can it lead to infertility?

In many cases polycystic ovary syndrome means a woman is unable to release an egg to be fertilised, and as a result her chances of becoming pregnant naturally are very small.

Most women discover they have the condition when they are trying for a baby because they have had several unsuccessful attempts.

During each menstrual cycle, the ovaries release an egg into the uteru via the fallopian tube.

This process is called ovulation and usually occurs once a month.

However, women with polycystic ovaries often fail to ovulate or ovulate infrequently, which means they have irregular or absent periods.

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What causes PCOS?

Medics don't yet know what causes polycystic ovary syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic.

But there are several factors thought to play a role, including:

• excess insulin in the body - if you have too much insulin in your body it may increase your androgen (male hormones) production which could interfere with your ovaries ability to ovulate.
• low grade inflammation - some research has shown that women with the condition suffer from low grade inflammation, which can stimulate the ovaries to produce androgen.
• it's hereditary - the chances are that if your mother or sister suffers with polycystic ovaries then you will develop the condition too.

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Is there a treatment?

The condition cannot be cured but the symptoms can be managed.

While the symptoms of polycystic ovaries are varied, so too are the treatment options.

Each treatment is designed to manage each individual's most common symptom, and include:

• weight loss - losing just five per cent of your body weight if you are overweight can significantly improve your symptoms, the NHS says.
• the Pill - the contraceptive pill can be used to keep your periods regular by maintaining a healthy hormone balance. It can also help protect against the possibility of developing womb cancer. It can also control excessive hair growth.
• medication - a drug called clomifene is usually the first treatment for women who are trying to get pregnant as it encourages the monthly release of an egg. If that does not work then metformin may be prescribed to lower blood sugar and control hormones.
• IVF - if a woman is struggling to conceive a course of IVF can boost the chances of becoming pregnant.
• surgery - a minor procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling can be used for fertility problems. During the surgery the doctor will destroy the tissue producing androgens that are causing infertility using heat or a laser.

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