Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Understanding Your Hormones, Cycles, and Choices

Maybe your periods have always been irregular. Or they’ve stopped completely.
Maybe it’s the acne that persists well beyond the teenage years, or hair growing in places it never used to, while thinning where it shouldn’t. Maybe you’ve noticed weight changes that are hard to explain. Or even harder to shift.

You might have heard of PCOS. You may even have been told you “might” have it. But knowing for sure, and knowing what to do about it, is often less straightforward.

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects up to 1 in 10 women. It’s often misunderstood and often missed because the symptoms can be subtle, disconnected, or simply brushed off.

At its core, PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that can result in polycystic ovaries, higher testosterone levels, and irregular ovulation. It can affect:

  • Your menstrual cycle: leading to irregular periods or very long cycles.

  • Fertility: making it more difficult to conceive, and increasing the risk of miscarriage.

  • Skin and hair: including adult acne, facial/body hair growth, or thinning scalp hair

  • Metabolism: increasing weight, belly fat, cholesterol and blood pressure.

  • Mood and mental health: including anxiety or low mood

  • Overall long-term health: such as insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and metabolic syndrome

A diagnosis isn’t just about a label. It can bring relief, direction, and allow you to move forward with a plan that actually fits

How Dr I-Ferne Tan Approaches PCOS

Sometimes PCOS diagnosis is clear. But more often it takes time, consideration, and careful interpretation of results. You don’t need to have cysts on your ovaries to have PCOS, and yet not everyone with cysts has PCOS. What matters more is the broader picture of your cycles, hormones, and symptoms.

Assessment may include:

  • A detailed period diary and cycle tracking to understand patterns and triggers

  • Hormonal blood tests (including testosterone, insulin, AMH)

  • Pelvic ultrasound to assess your ovaries

  • Metabolic screening (e.g. cholesterol, glucose tolerance) to regularly monitor for long term health complications.

Personalised Management for PCOS

Since PCOS looks different for everyone, so too should your care. Whether that’s balancing hormones, regulating periods, managing symptoms, or supporting fertility.

Treatment options may include:

  • Cycle regulation with hormonal therapy (e.g. the pill, IUD, or ovulation support)

  • Ovulation induction for those trying to conceive

  • Surgical options in select cases (laparoscopic ovarian drilling)

  • Lifestyle support from a trusted network of allied health partners including dieticians, physiotherapists, psychologists, and integrated health practitioners.

  • Psychological care for anxiety, body image, or the emotional toll of PCOS

  • The goal should be to focus on long-term health, not just short-term fixes.

Why Choose Dr I-Ferne Tan

Dr I-Ferne Tan is a Sydney-based gynaecologist with special interest in managing hormonal and menstrual conditions like PCOS. She brings together medical expertise and experience with the latest in research and innovative treatments. But what patients value most is her ability to see the person behind the symptoms. She will take the time to listen, explain, and guide you to make sense of your symptoms in a way that feels clear and manageable.

FAQs

  • No. The name is misleading. PCOS is a syndrome (a collection of symptoms). Not all women will have ovarian cysts. And not all women with polycystic ovaries will have PCOS.

  • Yes. Many women with PCOS conceive naturally, and almost all will conceive with the right support. The key is understanding your ovulation and cycle pattern. Dr Tan is a fertility specialist with Genea and will guide you through ovulation induction or IVF if needed.

  • PCOS is a chronic condition, but its impact can be significantly reduced with the right treatment. Symptoms may also shift with age, life stage, and hormonal changes.

  • For some women, small changes in weight can improve hormone regulation and insulin sensitivity. But PCOS-related weight management isn’t straightforward, and treatment shouldn’t hinge on weight alone.

  • Many consultations and tests are eligible for Medicare rebates. Our team can walk you through any costs involved.

Living with PCOS can be frustrating, especially when it feels like no one’s really listening, or the advice always centres on losing weight. With the right care, it’s possible to feel more in control of your cycle, your symptoms, and your future.

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