What causes PCOS?

There are a few reported causes of PCOS. The main one is related to hormonal imbalance caused by insulin resistance related obesity.

What are the symptoms?

PCOS can affect all women of reproductive age. Common symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular, few or non-existent menstrual periods
• Excessive and increased body hair, typically in a male pattern affecting face, chest and legs
• Hair loss appearing as thinning hair on the top of the head
• Acne, oily skin
• Obesity: one in two women with PCOS are obese
• Depression
• Deepening of voice
• Mild to moderate abdominal discomfort
• Infertility, generally resulting from chronic anovulation (lack of ovulation)

Celebrity sufferers include Victoria Beckham, Jools Oliver and Kym Marsh.

Could changes in my lifestyle and diet help?

Yes, you can manage the symptoms and even reverse PCOS by changing your diet. Doctors often look at specific aspects of women's lifestyle when prescribing a PCOS treatment programme. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, lifestyle advice including, weight control and exercise is offered. If you are overweight, your doctor will advise lifestyle changes before prescribing fertility drugs. See our lifestyle section for some tips on how to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Where PCOS is associated with overweight or obesity, successful weight loss is considered to be one of the most effective methods of restoring normal ovulation/menstruation. Many women however find it very difficult to achieve and sustain significant weight loss. Low-carbohydrate diets, smaller, more frequent meals and sustained regular exercise may help. Some experts recommend a low Glycemic index diet in which a significant part of total carbohydrates are obtained from fruit, vegetables and whole grain sources.