Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries and can cause symptoms like irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne and weight gain.

• For those suffering from PCOS, medications that stimulate ovulation such as Clomid and Metformin may help to induce your periods, which is particularly useful if you are trying to conceive.

• A doctor may also suggest using hormonal contraception to help with regulating your period.

• Metformin is used to treat blood sugar control (which many people with PCOS have) and can therefore help with weight issues.

• In some cases, a surgery called laparoscopic ovarian drilling may be suggested if you are trying to conceive.

• Anti-androgen medication such as Spironolactone (and some forms of the pill such as Co-cyprindiol or Dianette) can be effective for improving symptoms of high testosterone such as acne and hirsutism (excess hair growth).

• Cosmetic treatments such as laser hair removal are also often used by women with PCOS to manage hirsutism if they don’t respond well to medication or prefer not to use it.

• You may be offered lifestyle and dietary advice to help with common PCOS symptoms such as weight gain or difficulty losing weight.

• Support with mental health, such as medication, counselling, CBT and mindfulness, can also be used to improve symptoms of anxiety and low moods, both of which are frequently seen in women with PCOS.’

Read our blog for everything you need to know about PCOS .

Menopause

A hormonal imbalance that results from menopause is often treated with (HRT). HRT usually comes in the form of oestrogen (combined with progesterone if you haven’t had your uterus removed) and effectively replaces the estradiol which your ovaries have stopped producing as they reach the end of their functional ability.

Many women have reported an improvement in menopause-related symptoms with HRT, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness and mood. Some doctors may also be able to prescribe testosterone therapy for low libido, however, this medication is not licensed for use on postmenopausal women in the UK. Non-hormonal treatments such as lifestyle modifications, eating a balanced diet and exercise are also helpful for symptom management.

Menopause can also result in low moods and anxiety, in which case mental health support should be offered to help with these symptoms and vaginal moisturisers or lubricants are available to help with the symptom of vaginal dryness. Other medications which do not contain hormones, such as SSRIs and Clonidine can also be prescribed to alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.

Read our blog on everything you need to know about menopause.

Under or Overactive Thyroid (also known as Hypothyroidism)

An underactive thyroid occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. An overactive thyroid happens when the thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormones.

Symptoms that result from a thyroid hormone imbalance (under or overactive) can usually be resolved with medication. Medications such as Levothyroxine and Carbimazole will normalise how your thyroid is working, therefore alleviating your symptoms.

Hypothalamic Amenorrhea

Hypothalamic Amenorrhea is a condition where menstruation stops due to a disruption in the hypothalamus, located in the brain which regulates hormone production. It can be caused by factors like excessive exercise, stress low body weight or extreme calorie restriction.

Hypothalamic amenorrhea-induced symptoms can also be resolved by treating the root cause of the condition. The cause of hypothalamic amenorrhoea can vary from one individual to another, however, there are certain groups of people (such as athletes and those with eating disorders) who are more at risk of developing it.

Resolving this condition will resolve the associated symptoms, therefore treatment can include options such as mental health support, dietary and exercise advice, as well as medications such as hormonal contraception if the condition doesn’t resolve.

Endometriosis & Fibroids

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue similar to the tissue lining the inside of the uterus - called the endometrium grows outside of it.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus.

People with endometriosis and fibroids often have debilitating symptoms, particularly related to pelvic pain and heavy periods.

Treatments for Endometriosis and Fibroids:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as Ibuprofen) are recommended as a first-line option for pain relief.

• Hormone-related medications, such as hormonal contraception, GnRH analogues and aromatase inhibitors have been shown to effectively relieve pain by suppressing cycling estradiol levels which contribute to the growth of endometriosis and fibroids.

• Tranexamic acid is a medication that can be used to reduce heavy periods. People with endometriosis or fibroids may also opt to have surgery to improve their symptoms.