Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a fairly common hormonal disorder in women during their childbearing age. It is characterized by the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries, along with a variety of symptoms related to excess levels of specific hormones.
Dr Asif Humayun is a Consultant in Diabetes & Endocrinology at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. He did his specialist training at Wessex Deanery and qualified in 2004.
He is the Clinical Lead for the Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS FT and Milton Keynes Integrated Diabetes Service.
Dr Humayun is widely experienced in Endocrinology and diabetes. He has actively participated in clinical research and has published a number of papers related to his areas of interest.
Further details of his research work can be found on the links below in the useful links section.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but several factors may contribute to its development:
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but several factors may contribute to its development:
Diagnosis typically requires:
There is no known cure for PCOS, but treatments aim to reduce symptoms:
Insulin resistance is a condition where a hormone controlling blood sugar levels is unable to perform properly in the body’s cells. As a result, the pancreas produces more insulin to help glucose enter the cells, leading to high blood levels of insulin.
Understanding and managing insulin resistance is vital for effectively managing PCOS and reducing the risk of complications like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The main symptoms include infrequent or irregular periods, high levels of male hormones (leading to excess facial and body hair, severe acne, and baldness), and polycystic ovaries.
The factors include genetic predisposition, insulin resistance, and low-grade inflammation.
Untreated PCOS can lead to complications such as infertility, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
Diagnosis typically involves medical history review, physical examination, blood tests to measure hormone levels, and an ultrasound to evaluate the ovaries and uterine lining.
Treatments include lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise), pharmacological agents (oral contraceptives, anti-androgens, medications for insulin resistance), and fertility medications for those wanting to conceive.
Recommended self-care tips include maintaining a good diet high in fiber and low in sugar, regular exercise, and effective stress management practices like yoga and meditation.
Support groups and professional advice provide emotional support, practical tips, and professional guidance on managing endocrine disorders and related symptoms.
Insulin resistance is a condition where insulin cannot properly function in the body’s cells, leading the pancreas to produce more insulin and resulting in high blood insulin levels.
Insulin resistance can lead to higher androgen production by the ovaries, irregular ovulation, inflammation, and weight gain, all of which exacerbate PCOS symptoms.
Strategies include lifestyle modifications (healthy diet and regular exercise), medications like metformin, and regular monitoring of blood sugar and insulin levels.
High insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, leading to hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, hirsutism, and acne.
Managing insulin resistance is vital for reducing PCOS symptoms and the risk of complications such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Yes, even a small amount of weight loss can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and reduce PCOS symptoms.
© Dr Asif Malik Humayun 2024. Powered by Legend Digitech
