Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition impacting one in 10 Australian women, and often goes undiagnosed in 70 per cent of females, leading to serious health issues and possible infertility.
Raising awareness of the condition and easier access to PCOS testing can enable women to identify it before serious health impacts present.
Leading telehealth and online prescription service, InstantScripts has helped more than 400,000 Australians access affordable, qualified healthcare and everyday medicines, with the company now launching a digital PCOS referral, allowing women with symptoms of PCOS to easily access a pathology test to assist in a quicker diagnosis.
Dr Andrew Thompson of InstantScripts says, “PCOS can occur when women produce higher levels of male hormones in their ovaries. This can impact their menstrual cycle, fertility, and result in enlarged ovaries and cysts on the ovaries”.
“I urge women experiencing two or more of the common symptoms of PCOS, such as irregular periods, thinning hair or excess hair, weight gain or acne, to seek a test for the condition”, he says.
“For those already living with PCOS, it is important to have regular health checks with a doctor…women should seek tests for cholesterol levels and diabetes annually, along with a blood pressure check.”
This new PCOS test involves a short digital referral for a blood test to check hormone levels, including testosterone, as well as cholesterol and glucose levels.
The referral asks individuals to identify whether they are experiencing any of the symptoms of PCOS and whether they are taking the contraceptive pill, which Dr Thompson says can often mask or keep some symptoms at bay.
An InstantScripts doctor will then request a telehealth consultation to discuss the patient’s results and any next steps.
Dr Thompson says, “the availability of such referral tests is incredibly important for women, particularly if they don’t have a regular doctor or are time poor”.
Below, are some some of his tips to help patients effectively manage the symptoms of PCOS to allow them to maintain a high quality of life.
- Implement a management plan with your doctor
- Establish a healthy lifestyle
- Consider natural therapies
- Maintain a regular exercise routine
- Keep stress and anxiety at bay
If you or someone you know may be suffering from symptoms of polycystic ovary symptom, ensure to visit a health practitioner for further advice and management.
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