Associate Professor Alex Polyakov, a senior gynaecologist and Medical Director at Genea Melbourne, was featured in Harper's Bazaar Australia discussing the relationship between the contraceptive pill and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
The article explores common questions and misconceptions about PCOS and its treatment, with Alex providing expert insights into this complex hormonal disorder. He explains that PCOS affects only about 1 in 20 women of reproductive age, despite about 1 in 5 having polycystic ovaries, a distinction that's important for proper diagnosis.
For a PCOS diagnosis, Alex notes that at least two of three symptoms must be present: polycystic ovaries, irregular periods, and increased levels of androgens (male-associated hormones). This manifests through high testosterone levels on blood tests or symptoms such as acne, excess facial and body hair, or male pattern hair loss.
"You also have to run a whole lot of blood tests to look at other conditions that may mimic PCOS like thyroid dysfunction or various other hormone abnormalities," Alex explains. He adds that some women will experience fertility issues, metabolic disturbances like insulin resistance and weight gain, and mood disorders, as women with PCOS are more prone to depression and anxiety long-term.
Regarding treatment approaches, Alex takes a clear clinical stance: "The pill is the absolute first line approach to treating PCOS symptoms in a woman who doesn't plan to get pregnant." He also provides an important perspective on PCOS progression, noting that it largely affects younger women. "As women get older, the number of follicles or cysts in the ovaries decreases," he says. "So some women might have PCOS in their 20s but once the ovaries reduce in size in their mid to late 30s they might find they no longer have PCOS."
Alex's expertise helps readers understand PCOS as a condition requiring proper diagnosis and individualised treatment approaches.
A/Prof Alex Polyakov
Associate Professor Alex Polyakov is an Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Fertility specialist practicing in East Melbourne. A/Prof Polyakov is unique among fertility specialists by offering a holistic approach that encompasses surgical, fertility, and obstetric care. This means Alex is highly trained to perform surgical interventions for gynaecological conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, and intrauterine polyps/adhesions.
