This week our focus on the podcast is on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which we have spoken about 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 as 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, heath 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 try Letrozole.
We also discuss monitoring whilst you are on these kinds of drugs and the issues with home ovulation kits and as always, I’d be keen to hear whether this is an issue you are currently coping with.
Kate has written numerous blog post 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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