PCOS Awareness Month 2025: Proper Diagnosis = Effective Treatment
This September is PCOS Awareness Month. At Cape Fertility, we want to spread the news, promote understanding, and remind women – and particularly those trying to conceive – that if you recognise the symptoms and seek proper diagnosis, you can access effective treatment for PCOS and even fall pregnant.
PCOS is a medical condition. It causes hormonal imbalances in women that not only affects overall health but is also one of the leading causes of infertility.
PCOS is also one of the most common hormone disorders among women, affecting up to one in five women! Even more concerning, of these women with PCOS, an estimated 50% are undiagnosed, and therefore also untreated.
PCOS can disrupt ovulation and cause irregular menstrual cycles, causing infertility. It also impact health: contributing to issues such as acne, excess hair growth, weight gain, and long-term risks like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The name “polycystic ovary syndrome” refers to the many small follicles (often mislabelled as “cysts”) visible on the ovaries during an ultrasound. These follicles are immature eggs that have not been released during ovulation, a hallmark feature of PCOS.
Why A Proper Diagnosis Matters
A correct diagnosis is the crucial first step in managing PCOS effectively.
Sadly, because symptoms vary widely among women, the condition is frequently misunderstood or overlooked. Many women endure years of uncertainty and poor health before learning they have PCOS.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early diagnosis of PCOS is essential not only for fertility management but also for addressing the metabolic and psychological impacts of the condition.
Timely medical support can improve quality of life, reduce health risks, and provide clarity for those trying to conceive.
Symptoms To Look Out For
Women With Pcos May Experience:
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Difficulty falling pregnant due to inconsistent ovulation
- Acne or oily skin
- Excess hair growth on the face or body
- Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Not all women have the same symptoms, which is why an expert medical evaluation is vital.
How PCOS Is Diagnosed
At Cape Fertility, our specialists use a combination of tests to confirm a PCOS diagnosis. These include:
- Ultrasound scans to check the ovaries for multiple small follicles
- Hormone blood tests to measure levels of reproductive and metabolic hormones
- Medical history and physical exam to identify other indicators
This thorough approach ensures other possible causes are ruled out, leading to an accurate and personalised diagnosis.
Treatment Options For PCOS
While PCOS cannot be cured, it can be successfully managed.
Treatment is tailored to each woman’s specific symptoms and her fertility goals. Options may include:
- Lifestyle changes: Healthy diet and regular exercise to improve hormone balance and reduce insulin resistance
- Medication: To regulate menstrual cycles, reduce symptoms, or stimulate ovulation
- Fertility treatments: Such as ovulation induction or IVF for women who are trying to conceive
With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, many women with PCOS go on to fall pregnant and lead healthy lives.
Taking action this PCOS Awareness Month
At Cape Fertility, we are committed to raising awareness about PCOS and providing compassionate, effective care.
If you are experiencing symptoms or struggling to conceive, we encourage you to book a consultation with one of our specialists.
At Cape Fertility, we value each individual patient and we look forward to providing you with individualised and personalised care, affordable quality fertility treatment, and higher success rates at our purpose-built premises in the beautiful city of Cape Town. Simply contact us here…