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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)Women's Health Information Package
DefinitionPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting between 5-10% of women. Some women are asymptomatic, and find that the condition only becomes problematic when they have difficulty conceiving. Other women have quite pronounced signs and symptoms, including obesity, acne and / or skin pigmentation, hirsutism, male-pattern hair growth or baldness, weight gain and insulin resistance. High blood pressure can also occur, as well as dizziness, exhaustion and depression. The psychosocial effects of PCOS can be profound, with some women having poor body image and self esteem.
About the information resourcesThe resources on PCOS contained in this information package were compiled following an extensive search of Women's Health Victoria's (WHV) Clearinghouse Resource Collection database. Included are details of relevant books, journals, articles, web sites, and other resources that have been independently reviewed by a health professional. The emphasis is on the Australian situation and a social model of health and feminist approach provide the framework within which information is provided. Where possible, illustrations of women's experiences are provided. All of these resources and a range of others (not listed here) covering many topics from both medical and alternative therapy perspectives are available from the WHV Clearinghouse Resource Centre. A description of how Women's Health Information packages are developed and resources chosen is available here.
General information1. Polycystic ovary syndrome Full text available here. This article gives an overview of the hormonal causes of PCOS, and discusses physical and psychological effects, diagnosis and treatment. It is a useful article for consumers and clinicians.
 2. MJA Practice Essentials - Endocrinology 4: Polycystic ovary syndrome Full text available here. This article is an excellent précis on the development, prevalence, diagnosis and long-term management of PCOS. Fertility issues and insulin resistance are explored, and lifestyle changes are highlighted as part of treatment.
3. Body image and PCOS This article addresses how the physical and psychological effects of PCOS can influence a woman's body image and self esteem. It is useful reading for clinicians and consumers, as it discusses weight problems in the PCOS context, and offers practical advice on improving body image.
4. Effect of Implanon on insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome This resource looks at how PCOS can be affected by Implanon use. It is an enlightening article for clinicians, as the choice of contraceptive, particularly hormonal contraceptive, is especially important for women with PCOS.
Health promotion tools: information for consumers5. Polycystic ovarian syndrome Full text available here and here. These resources give information on dietary and medical approaches to managing PCOS. There is also a list of contacts for support groups, clinical specialists and other resources for women with PCOS.
6. Phytotherapy for polycystic ovarian syndrome Full text available here. This article is a detailed analysis of the aetiology of PCOS, and examines how herbal medicines can be used alongside biomedical treatment to improve women's health. Each herb's action is explained, and a case study illustrates the naturopathic approach clearly.
7. Women, hormones and the menstrual cycle: herbal and medical solutions from adolescence to menopause (2nd ed) This book gives concise treatment options, both biomedical and complementary, for common gynaecological issues. The chapter on ovarian cysts discusses causes of PCOS, the role of insulin resistance and body mass, and other hormonal influences. Secondary issues, including diabetes and heart disease are addressed using herbal therapies and nutrition.
Diet and nutrition8. The new glucose revolution: managing PCOS This book is a helpful, consumer-focussed resource for women living with PCOS. It is extremely thorough in explaining how diet, nutrition and lifestyle can help in limiting the development of PCOS symptoms. It is sensitively written for women and provides an excellent practical self-help focus encouraging women to take control of their own health.
Young women9. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the adolescent patient: recommendations for practice Full text available here. This article is directed at nurses and other clinicians. It discusses the psychosocial and physical impact of PCOS diagnosis on young women. Medical and dietary approaches to treatment are included, as well as body image issues, such as hirsutism.
10. PCOS and your fertility: your guide to self-care, emotional wellbeing and medical support This book is chiefly consumer-focussed, but is a useful health promotion tool for clinicians. PCOS is explained clearly, and importance of weight loss in PCOS-related fertility problems is highlighted. There are women's stories of dealing with infertility. The book is encouraging, without giving false hope. Treatment strategies, including complementary therapies and assisted reproductive technologies are covered, as is coming to terms with infertility.
Web sites11. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association of Australia POSAA is a non-profit, self-help consumer based organisation. It has links to articles, research, and discussion about living with PCOS. There are contact details for support networks throughout Australia .
Languages other than EnglishIf you are looking for information on a variety of health topics in languages other than English try searching:
Some services available in VictoriaThe Royal Women’s Hospital Big Girls Group A weight management and lifestyle program that focuses on gynaecological well-being conducted over six months. It covers PCOS-relevant health issues. Phone: (03) 9344 2430 or (03) 9344 2372
Resources reviewed December 2005 For details on how to locate any of this information or to confidentially discuss any of this information, contact your local Women’s Health Service or the RWH Women's Health Information Centre phone line, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm on (03) 9344 2007; Country Callers: 1800 442 007; or email. Health professionals and other service providers wishing to access the services of the WHV Clearinghouse contact us by phone: (03) 9662 3755, fax: (03) 9663 7955; or email. Other resource information on various health topics can be accessed via the Clearinghouse Resource Collection database. Online access is available here.
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