PCOS Treatment in Singapore

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects approximately 10–15% of females in Singapore. It is characterised by hormonal imbalances that can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels, and the development of small cysts on the ovaries.

While PCOS is not fully reversible, effective treatments are available to help manage its symptoms and reduce the risk of complications such as infertility and heart disease.

Discover our personalised approach to PCOS care by scheduling a consultation today or learn more about our comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options below.

Causes of PCOS

PCOS is a complex hormonal condition influenced by a combination of biological and environmental factors. While the exact cause is not fully understood, there are several key contributors to its development.

Genetic and environmental factors

PCOS is a complex genetic trait, similar to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, where multiple genetic variants and environmental factors interact to foster the development and features of the disorder.

Reproductive hormone imbalance

PCOS is primarily driven by an imbalance in reproductive hormones, particularly elevated levels of luteinising hormone (LH) and androgens such as testosterone. These hormonal disruptions interfere with normal ovary function, preventing regular ovulation. This dysfunction in ovulation causes abnormal development of follicles in the ovaries, which may result in the polycystic appearance of the ovarian follicles on the ultrasound.

Insulin resistance

Many individuals with PCOS experience insulin resistance, where the body’s cells fail to respond effectively to insulin. This is particularly common in those who are overweight or obese. Insulin resistance can further increase androgen production, worsening PCOS symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, and excessive hair growth (hirsutism).

Obesity and energy regulation

Obesity can make insulin resistance and the degree of hyperinsulinemia worse, and intensify problems with ovulation, menstrual cycles and pregnancy in women with PCOS. While it is well-established that excess body fat is a main driver of PCOS, women with PCOS may also be more prone to weight gain and obesity.

Androgen production and action

Hyperandrogenism is a central feature of most forms of PCOS. Androgens are mainly produced by the ovaries, with a smaller amount coming from the adrenal glands. Women with an underlying predisposition to hyperandrogenism may experience disruption in androgen production as seen in PCOS.

Symptoms of PCOS

Symptoms of PCOS can vary in severity from person to person. Below are some common symptoms of PCOS:

Irregular or infrequent periods
Excess hair growth on the face, chest and abdomen
Acne (may be severe inflammatory acne)
Skin changes such as oily skin, excessive sweating and the occurrence of inflamed and swollen skin lumps
Hair loss
Difficulty conceiving
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Insulin resistance or diabetes
High blood pressure and cholesterol
Sleep apnea
Depression or anxiety

Diagnosing PCOS

Diagnosing PCOS typically involves confirming at least two out of three key symptoms: irregular menstrual cycles or lack of ovulation, elevated androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries. These symptoms are assessed through a combination of tests and evaluations.

During a PCOS evaluation, your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to identify potential risk factors, such as irregular menstrual cycles or lack of ovulation. A physical exam to assess clinical signs of hyperandrogenism, acne, hirsutism and/or hair loss etc. may be conducted to evaluate your condition comprehensively

Blood tests are used to measure hormone levels, including androgens, which help diagnose PCOS and rule out other potential conditions. Other hormonal evaluation tests may be ordered depending on your clinical history and physical exams.

An ultrasound may be performed to examine the ovaries for cysts, assess their size, and evaluate the thickness of the uterine lining to detect any abnormalities.

Note: Tests to rule out other potential causes of symptoms (e.g. thyroid disorders, prolactin abnormalities, cortisol abnormalities etc.), are often recommended as part of a comprehensive evaluation.

Treatment Options for PCOS in Singapore

Women with PCOS have multiple abnormalities that require attention including irregular periods, symptoms of excess androgens and infertility and metabolic risk factors such as obesity, insulin resistance and high cholesterol. Weight loss, which can restore ovulation, regulate periods and improve metabolic risk is the first-line intervention for most women.

We work with individual women to identify their goals in PCOS treatment which may include:

Improving symptoms of hyperandrogenism (e.g. hirsutism, acne, scalp hair loss)
Management of underlying metabolic abnormalities (e.g. type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease)
Prevention of endometrial overgrowth which may increase the risk of endometrial cancer that can occur as a result of irregular ovulation
Ovulation induction for those pursuing pregnancy
Contraception to avoid unintended pregnancy as a result of irregular ovulation

	Types of treatment**
Lifestyle changes	Diet and exercise: Comprehensive management of weight loss includes lifestyle intervention, these are effective in improving insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism.
Oral contraception and risk assessment	Hormonal birth control: A combination of oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, patches and rings helps to regulate periods, reduce androgen symptoms and prevent pregnancy Endometrial protection: For women not pursuing pregnancy, oral contraception may be suggested to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer Assessment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk: A comprehensive risk assessment will be done in individuals starting oral contraceptives to reduce the risk of VTE
Androgen excess	Antiandrogen medications: Medications such as spironolactone reduce excess hair growth and scalp hair loss Hirsutism (excess hair): Hair removal and hormonal treatments help with relieving the acne
Metabolic abnormalities	Weight management: 5–10% weight loss improves cycles, insulin sensitivity and fertility. A comprehensive weight loss management plan is essential for long-term and sustainable weight loss solutions. Insulin-sensitising medications: Several drugs including metformin and pioglitazone may be used to reduce insulin levels in women with PCOS.
Fertility treatments	Ovulation induction: To induce ovulation, Letrozole (first-line), Clomiphene and Gonadotropin are used In-vitro fertilisation (IVF): IVF is used for those who do not respond to other treatments
Others	Obstructive sleep apnoea: Sleep apnoea is a common disorder in women with PCOS and is an important determinant of insulin resistance and metabolic abnormalities. Treatment with CPAP improves this metabolic risk Depression/anxiety: Management of concurrent mood disturbance will assist in the long-term well-being of individuals with PCOS
Long-term management	Monitoring for metabolic risks: Regular screening for diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol can help with controlling PCOS symptoms Regular health check-ups: Routine follow-ups can also help to keep symptoms in check and prevent complications

**Your doctor will assess your suitability for each treatment

Our PCOS Doctor and Specialist

Dr Linsey Gani

Consultant Endocrinologist

MBBS (Aust), B Med Sci, FRACP (Endocrine), FAMS (S’pore), MPH (Harvard), Clinical Assistant Professor (Duke-NUS Medical School)
Languages: English, Mandarin, Bahasa Indonesia

Dr Gani is an experienced endocrinologist trained in the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS. She completed her residency in Melbourne, Australia, and further honed her skills through training at institutions such as Columbia University and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre.

Why Choose Us?

Customised treatments

Dr Gani takes a compassionate, individualised approach to care, ensuring that each person receives PCOS treatment customised to their unique condition and requirements.

Convenient locations

Located in the heart of Singapore at Novena Medical Centre, our clinic is conveniently accessible by both public and private transportation.

Relaxing atmosphere

We strive to create a warm and inviting atmosphere at our clinic, ensuring that every visit is comfortable and stress-free for you.

FAQs About PCOS

How can I check for PCOS in Singapore?

There is no single test for PCOS, and diagnosis is typically based on at least two of the following criteria: irregular ovulation, elevated androgen levels, or polycystic ovaries detected on ultrasound.

Diagnosing PCOS in Singapore usually involves a comprehensive evaluation by a specialist. This may include a review of your medical history, blood tests to assess hormone levels, and an ultrasound to examine ovarian health while ruling out other potential causes. If you wish to check for PCOS, book an appointment with us.

Can PCOS go away?

PCOS is a chronic condition and treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms and your reproductive goals. For women not seeking pregnancy, treatment typically focuses on addressing hormonal imbalances and managing symptoms effectively.

Are there complications from leaving PCOS untreated?

Untreated PCOS is often linked to hormone imbalance and can result in various complications as listed below:

Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease
Early-onset stroke
Elevated lipids
High cholesterol
Hypertension
Mood swings and depression
Uterine cancer
Obstructive sleep apnea

Book an Appointment

Fill out the form below to schedule your appointment.

Dr. Linsey Gani Endocrinology

10 Sinaran Drive, #10-08, Novena Medical Center, Singapore 307506

+65 6397 7101

+65 9128 7480

info@endocrinologist.com.sg

Monday - Friday

08:30 - 12:30

14:00 - 17:30

Saturday

09:00-12:00

Sunday & Public Holiday

Closed