PCOS: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment in Lagos
Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is a hormonal condition that can affect menstrual cycles, ovulation, fertility and other aspects of a woman’s health.
Some women experience obvious symptoms, while others may have PCOS without realising it. If you have irregular periods, difficulty becoming pregnant, excessive hair growth, acne or other hormonal symptoms, it may be worth discussing your concerns with a healthcare professional.
If you are looking for PCOS treatment in Lagos, the first step is usually a proper assessment. PCOS can affect women differently, so treatment is based on your symptoms, health, reproductive goals and individual circumstances.
What Is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal and metabolic condition associated with problems such as irregular ovulation and elevated levels of certain hormones.
Despite its name, not every woman with PCOS has ovarian cysts.
PCOS can affect women during their reproductive years and may have implications for menstrual health, fertility and long-term health.
At Arctic Gynae Centre, our Gynaecology services include the assessment and management of reproductive and hormonal conditions such as PCOS.
What Are the Symptoms of PCOS?
PCOS symptoms can vary considerably between women.
Some common symptoms include:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Infrequent periods
- Heavy or prolonged periods in some cases
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Excess facial or body hair
- Acne
- Oily skin
- Thinning hair or hair loss
- Weight changes
- Darkened skin in certain areas
Having one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean you have PCOS.
Other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms, which is why proper assessment is important.
Can PCOS Affect Fertility?
PCOS can affect fertility because hormonal changes associated with the condition may interfere with regular ovulation.
If ovulation does not occur regularly, it can become more difficult to predict when conception is most likely to occur.
However, having PCOS does not mean that pregnancy is impossible.
Many women with PCOS become pregnant, either naturally or with medical assistance where appropriate.
If you have PCOS and are experiencing difficulty conceiving, Arctic Gynae Centre also provides fertility assessment and treatment.
What Causes PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood.
Several factors may contribute to its development, including genetics, hormonal changes and insulin-related factors.
Women with a family history of PCOS may have a higher likelihood of developing the condition.
Your healthcare provider can discuss your individual symptoms and medical history when assessing possible PCOS.
How Is PCOS Diagnosed?
There is no single test that can diagnose PCOS in every woman.
A healthcare professional may consider several factors, including your symptoms, menstrual history and medical examination.
Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may recommend:
- Blood tests
- Hormonal investigations
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Assessment of your menstrual pattern
- Review of your medical history
- Other investigations to rule out alternative causes
An ultrasound may provide information about the ovaries and uterus, but the presence of ovarian cysts is not by itself enough to diagnose PCOS.
Arctic Gynae Centre provides Radiology services including ultrasound examinations that may support the investigation of reproductive health concerns.
How Is PCOS Treated?
There is no single treatment that works for every woman with PCOS.
Treatment depends on your symptoms and what you want to achieve.
For example, treatment may be focused on:
- Regulating menstrual cycles
- Managing symptoms associated with excess androgen
- Supporting fertility
- Managing metabolic risk factors
- Addressing other health concerns associated with PCOS
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options that are relevant to your circumstances.
PCOS Treatment When You Are Not Trying to Get Pregnant
If pregnancy is not currently part of your plans, treatment may focus on managing symptoms and supporting menstrual and reproductive health.
Depending on your individual circumstances, your healthcare provider may discuss hormonal medication or other approaches.
Lifestyle changes may also be recommended where appropriate, particularly where weight, blood sugar or metabolic health are relevant.
Your doctor can help determine which approach is appropriate for you.
PCOS Treatment When You Are Trying to Get Pregnant
If you have PCOS and want to become pregnant, treatment may focus on supporting regular ovulation.
Your fertility specialist may first assess your reproductive health and determine whether there are other factors affecting conception.
Depending on your circumstances, treatment may include medication to support ovulation or assisted reproductive treatment.
If you have been trying to conceive without success, our guide on when to see a fertility specialist in Lagos explains some situations where professional fertility assessment may be appropriate.
Can PCOS Be Cured?
PCOS is generally considered a long-term condition rather than something that can simply be cured with one treatment.
However, symptoms can often be managed.
The appropriate approach may change over time depending on your age, reproductive goals, symptoms and overall health.
Regular medical care can help you monitor the condition and address changing health needs.
Can Losing Weight Help With PCOS?
For women who are overweight or have obesity, even modest weight loss may improve some metabolic and reproductive aspects of PCOS.
However, PCOS can affect women of different body sizes, and weight is not the only factor involved in the condition.
A healthcare professional can help you understand how nutrition, physical activity and other lifestyle factors may apply to your individual circumstances.
It is important to avoid extreme diets or unproven treatments promoted as quick fixes for PCOS.
PCOS and Irregular Periods
Irregular periods are one of the reasons women with PCOS may seek medical advice.
If you regularly have very long gaps between periods, very irregular cycles or other unusual menstrual changes, it is worth speaking with a healthcare professional.
Irregular periods can have several possible causes, so proper assessment is important.
Arctic’s Women’s Health Clinic provides care for a range of women’s reproductive and hormonal health concerns.
PCOS and Pregnancy
Women with PCOS can become pregnant, but some may require additional medical support.
If you have PCOS and become pregnant, your healthcare provider may recommend appropriate monitoring based on your individual circumstances.
If you are planning pregnancy and have already been diagnosed with PCOS, discussing your plans with your healthcare provider can help you understand whether any preconception assessment or treatment is appropriate.
When Should You See a Doctor About PCOS?
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you experience:
- Very irregular periods
- No periods for an extended period
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Excess facial or body hair
- Persistent acne associated with hormonal symptoms
- Unexplained changes in your menstrual cycle
- Other symptoms that concern you
You should also seek medical advice if you have already been diagnosed with PCOS and your symptoms are changing or becoming difficult to manage.
Choosing PCOS Treatment in Lagos
If you are searching for PCOS treatment in Lagos, consider choosing a healthcare provider who can assess your symptoms rather than treating one symptom in isolation.
PCOS can affect several aspects of reproductive and general health, so your care should take into account your:
- Menstrual health
- Fertility goals
- Hormonal symptoms
- Medical history
- Metabolic health
- Current medications
- Future reproductive plans
A personalised assessment can help determine what investigations and treatment may be appropriate.
PCOS, Gynaecology and Fertility Care in Lagos
Arctic Gynae Centre provides gynaecological and reproductive healthcare for women in Lagos.
Our Gynaecology services include assessment and treatment of PCOS and other reproductive health conditions.
If fertility is a concern, our fertility services can help investigate possible causes of difficulty conceiving and discuss appropriate treatment options.
For women who require diagnostic imaging, our Radiology services include ultrasound services.
You can also access broader Women’s Health services covering different stages and aspects of women’s healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions About PCOS
Can PCOS make it difficult to get pregnant?
Yes. PCOS can interfere with regular ovulation, which may make conception more difficult for some women. However, many women with PCOS are able to become pregnant.
Do all women with PCOS have ovarian cysts?
No. Despite the name, ovarian cysts are not required for a diagnosis of PCOS.
Can PCOS go away?
PCOS is generally a long-term condition, but its symptoms can be managed. Your treatment plan may change depending on your symptoms and reproductive goals.
Can I get pregnant naturally with PCOS?
Yes. Some women with PCOS become pregnant naturally. Others may need medical assistance with ovulation or fertility treatment.
Does PCOS always cause irregular periods?
Irregular periods are common with PCOS, but symptoms vary from person to person. If your periods have become irregular, a healthcare professional can assess possible causes.
Where can I get PCOS treatment in Lagos?
Arctic Gynae Centre provides gynaecological assessment and treatment for PCOS in Lagos. You can book a consultation to discuss your symptoms with the medical team.
Get Professional Advice for PCOS in Lagos
If you are experiencing irregular periods, hormonal symptoms or difficulty becoming pregnant, you do not have to try to determine the cause yourself.
A proper medical assessment can help identify possible causes and determine what treatment or further investigation may be appropriate.
If you are looking for PCOS treatment in Lagos, you can book a consultation with Arctic Gynae Centre to discuss your symptoms and reproductive health goals.
You can also explore our Gynaecology services for more information about the reproductive health conditions we assess and manage.
Arctic Gynae Centre
R5, Atlantic Vista Estate, Olokonla, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos
Phone: +234 913 215 9156
Email: info@arcticobgyn.com
