During PCOS Awareness Week (05-12 November 2012), we will be busting up some of the common myths around polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Here’s the first one, leave a comment below to let us know your thoughts, and whether you already knew the answer.
“If I don’t have cysts on my ovaries, I can’t have PCOS”
Dr Helen Mason, Senior Lecturer in Reproductive Endocrinology at St George’s University in London and Verity adviser says:
“First of all, the cysts are inside the ovary, not on the outside. The diagnostic criteria for PCOS which were agreed a few years ago state that to have PCOS you have to have 2 out of 3 of the following:
- Increased numbers of cysts / follicles on the ovaries
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Raised androgen or a clinical sign of this, such as hirsutism or acne
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| L: Normal ovary R: Polycystic ovary |
So the answer is that you can have PCOS without seeing cysts on the scan. The problem with scanning is that it really is an art and not a hard science and cysts can be missed. Plus, the appearance of the ovary can change. If you have irregular cycles and acne / hirsutism, however, the chances are very good that you have PCOS.”
Verity - The PCOS charity 