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Polycystic ovary syndrome

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  • Polycystic ovary syndrome often referred to as ‘PCOS’ is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age

  • PCOS causes hormonal imbalances due to increases in androgens and insulin in the body

Causes

  • The exact cause of PCOS is currently unknown, PCOS can result from abnormal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis

  • A characteristic of PCOS is inappropriate hormone secretion, which may be a result of ovarian dysfunction

  • Current research is also exploring possible genetic links

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Signs & Symptoms

There are many different signs and symptoms of PCOS and each individual will have a difference experience


Some signs and symptoms your GP may look for include;


  • Menstrual disturbances

  • Fertility difficulties

  • Hirtuism, acne

  • Alopecia

  • Sleep apnoea

  • Weight gain


Women with PCOS also have an increased risk of other metabolic and cardio conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

Differential Diagnosis

* Diagnosis will be confirmed through a medical specialist prior to commencement with PROmotion

  • Amenorrhea

  • Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Latrogenic Cushing Syndrome

  • Ovarian Tumor

PROmotion Assessment and outcome measures

  • Initial diagnosis with GP and/or endocrinologist

  • Assessment with Exercise Physiologist will include a medical PAR-Q, medical history, discussion of goals, current physical activity levels, short and long term goals and blood pressure

  • Based on individual goals further assessment may include Body composition (height, weight, body girths), Cardiovascular fitness test, muscular strength & endurance, flexibility and range of movement

  • Re-test and visit of goals will occur every 6-8 weeks

How to Manage

•  Education & advice surrounding lifestyle, weight management, cardio-metabolic health and mental wellbeing.

•  A individual exercise program will be designed and progressed around individual goals

•  Management may also include dietitian and other health care professionals

** Book Online for Exercise Physiologist Appointment (link to cliniko)

** Link to Rehab Gym webpage

References

  1. Teede HJ, Misso ML, Costello MF, et al. Recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2018;110(3):364-379. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.05.004

  2. Hiam D, Patten R, Gibson-Helm M, et al. The effectiveness of high intensity intermittent training on metabolic, reproductive and mental health in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: study protocol for the iHIT- randomised controlled trial. Trials. 2019;20(1):221. Published 2019 Apr 16. doi:10.1186/s13063-019-3313-8

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