Dr. Rebecca Rohrer - PCOS
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Who are you and what is your background?
Hi, my name's Dr. Rebecca Rohrer. I'm a doctor, working clinically, a medical director at Bupa, and I've got a real passion for women's health.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is sometimes called PCOS, and it's a condition that affects the ovaries. It means that in the body there are higher levels of circulating hormones called androgens, and that can affect the way that the ovaries develop follicles. Now, every month, follicles develop in the ovary, and it's those that release an egg ready to be fertilised. In PCOS, what happens is you have more of these follicles that develop, and because you have more follicles, they're less likely to be able to mature an egg ready enough to release, and that means that it can be harder for people with PCOS to get pregnant.
What causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS isn't known, but it's felt to be related to higher levels than normal of some circulating hormones, particularly testosterone. It's also being linked to conditions such as hormone imbalance and resistance to insulin and to genetics.