Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition affecting many Australian women, with symptoms ranging from irregular periods and excess hair growth to fertility challenges and metabolic issues. While there is currently no cure for PCOS, it can be effectively managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and personalised care. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to manage PCOS in Australia and improve your quality of life.
1. Embrace Lifestyle Changes as the Foundation
Australian health experts agree that lifestyle modifications are the cornerstone of PCOS management. These changes can improve insulin resistance, regulate menstrual cycles, and alleviate many symptoms.
- Healthy Diet: Focus on balanced, nutritious meals rich in whole foods, fibre, lean proteins, and healthy fats. There is no one-size-fits-all diet, but reducing processed sugars and refined carbs helps control blood sugar levels.
- Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly, including activities you enjoy such as walking, swimming, or sports. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, supports weight management, and boosts mental health.
- Weight Management: Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can significantly improve symptoms, including restoring ovulation and reducing androgen levels.
Finding sustainable habits you enjoy is key to long-term success.
2. Medications Tailored to Your Symptoms
Depending on your individual symptoms and goals, your doctor may recommend medications to help manage PCOS:
- Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP): Helps regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgen levels, and improve acne and excess hair growth.
- Metformin: An insulin-sensitising drug that can improve blood sugar control, aid weight management, and help regulate periods, especially for women with insulin resistance or higher body weight.
- Anti-Androgens: Medications like spironolactone reduce excess hair growth and acne by blocking male hormones but require effective contraception due to pregnancy risks.
- Fertility Medications: If you’re trying to conceive, drugs such as letrozole or clomiphene citrate stimulate ovulation. Injectable hormones may be used if oral medications are ineffective.
- Other Treatments: For severe acne, dermatologists may prescribe isotretinoin under specialist care.
Your healthcare provider will personalise medication choices based on your symptoms, preferences, and health profile.
3. Supportive Therapies and Holistic Care
PCOS often affects emotional wellbeing, so psychological support is an important part of management. Counselling, stress reduction techniques, and support groups can help cope with anxiety, depression, or body image concerns.
A multidisciplinary healthcare team in Australia may include your GP, endocrinologist, gynaecologist, dietitian, psychologist, and fertility specialist to provide comprehensive care.
4. Regular Monitoring and Long-Term Health
PCOS increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer. Regular health checks including blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight monitoring are essential to prevent complications.
5. Empower Yourself with Education and Shared Decision-Making
Australian guidelines emphasise patient education and shared decision-making to optimise treatment outcomes. Understanding your condition and actively participating in your care plan improves satisfaction and adherence.
While PCOS cannot be “fixed” or cured, it can be effectively managed through a combination of lifestyle adjustments, medications, and supportive care tailored to your needs. Early diagnosis and ongoing management empower Australian women to control symptoms, improve fertility, and reduce long-term health risks.