Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with Professor Adam Balen

We have spoken about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) on the podcast numerous times in the past so make sure you scroll down to find links to previous episodes.

Kate is an expert on the topic, working with women on a daily basis to support them with their diagnosis, and in this episode, we've shared a previous conversation we had with Professor Adam Balen discussing the latest PCOS guidelines. Professor Adam Balen is a full-time National Health Service consultant and Lead Clinician at Leeds Fertility, one of the largest assisted conception units in the UK. His special interests include all aspects of PCOS, Assisted Conception, Paediatric & Adolescent Gynaecology, and Disorders of Sexual Development.

In this conversation, you hear snippets of a previous episode where Adam explains what the symptoms of PCOS are, including being over or underweight and how to maintain the condition with lifestyle changes. He also talks in-depth about the use of Letrozole over Clomofin, or Clomid is most people know it. At the time of our chat, people were still needing to change their mindset regarding prescribing Letrozole, and Adam had written papers for the RCOG to support this further. Kate said she is still seeing a mix of what people are being prescribed and explained how in the UK, health trust policies can dictate what drugs are prescribed. However, Kate advises if you are on Clomid and not responding after two rounds to go back and ask if you can go back and try Letrozole.

We discuss the link between Letrozole and Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) as well as there being a lower risk of multiple pregnancies and also discuss the frequency of scans people should expect when they are on these ovulation stimulation drugs

We also highlighted the problem with home ovulation kits.

When it comes to the common issues people are still coming up against Adam explains how women are still being told they won’t get pregnant with ovulation issues

or that they are overweight because they have PCOS and they can’t do anything about it. Which isn't the case. Also, the fact that a lot of women with PCOS end up having IVF when they don’t need it which is why we want to ensure you know where to get more support. We also discuss how Ovarian diathermy or Ovarian drilling which in very rare cases is an operation used to stimulate ovulation.

When it comes to top tips you can take away to manage your PCOS, Kate's top 3 tips are:

Changing your diet to low refined carbs/sugar.

Tracking your cycle tracking

Become your own PCOS advocate

Kate has written numerous blog posts about PCOS. This one discusses how whilst it can't be cured it can be controlled. You can also read about fighting back against PCOS here and Kate also has a brilliant journal you can use

Have a listen to previous PCOS podcasts we have shared - this one with PCOS Diva Amy Medling and this one with Kym Campbell both amazing women who have overcome their PCOS and had successful pregnancies and now work to support women further with lifestyle changes.

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