PCOS Endocrine Management in Sharjah

What is PCOS endocrine management?

PCOS endocrine management is the part of polycystic ovary syndrome care that focuses on hormones and metabolism rather than on periods and fertility alone. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal condition in which the ovaries produce more androgens, the male-type hormones every woman makes in small amounts, and the body often responds poorly to its own insulin.

Insulin resistance sits at the centre of the metabolic side. When cells respond weakly to insulin, the pancreas releases more of it, and high insulin levels push the ovaries to make even more androgen. That loop explains why PCOS can cause excess hair, acne and scalp hair thinning, and why it raises the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and fatty liver, including in women who are slim.

PCOS endocrine management at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah is provided by the endocrinology team. Cycle control, ovulation and fertility treatment are covered by gynaecology on the PCOS treatment page, and the two services work together.

Who needs it

PCOS endocrine management is for women and teenagers with PCOS, or suspected PCOS, who have:

• excess facial or body hair, persistent acne or scalp hair thinning;
• weight gain around the waist that is hard to shift, or dark, velvety skin in the neck folds or armpits, a visible sign of insulin resistance;
• a raised blood sugar, HbA1c in the prediabetes range, or a family history of type 2 diabetes;
• a history of gestational diabetes;
• abnormal cholesterol or blood pressure;
• symptoms that raise the question of another hormone disorder.

Many women in the UAE have PCOS alongside a strong family history of type 2 diabetes, which makes the metabolic assessment especially worthwhile.

What happens

The first step is confirming the diagnosis and excluding conditions that mimic PCOS. Blood tests usually include:

| Test | Why it is done |
|---|---|
| Testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin | Measure androgen excess |
| TSH and prolactin | Exclude thyroid and pituitary causes of irregular periods |
| Early-morning adrenal hormone (17-hydroxyprogesterone) | Screens for an inherited adrenal condition that mimics PCOS |
| Glucose tolerance test or HbA1c | Checks for prediabetes and diabetes |
| Lipid profile and liver tests | Look for raised cholesterol and fatty liver |

The team also measures blood pressure, weight and waist size, and asks about snoring and daytime sleepiness, since sleep apnoea is more common with PCOS.

Treatment is then planned around your priorities. Lifestyle change comes first: a modest reduction in weight for women carrying extra weight improves insulin sensitivity, lowers androgen levels and can restore more regular cycles. Practical support is available through weight management and nutritional counselling. Where needed, an insulin-sensitising medicine may be added, and excess hair and acne are treated with hormone-modifying medicines alongside cosmetic hair-reduction methods. Cholesterol and blood pressure are managed through cholesterol management where required.

Preparing for it

Note the dates of your last few periods, since several hormone tests are best taken early in the cycle, and the adrenal test is taken in the morning. If you use hormonal contraception, tell the team, because it changes androgen results and may need to be paused before some tests.

For a glucose tolerance test, you fast overnight and stay at the hospital for a few hours while blood is taken before and after a sugary drink. Bring a list of your medicines and supplements, previous blood results and any pelvic ultrasound report, plus your Emirates ID and insurance card.

Afterwards

Metabolic checks continue over the years, with blood sugar tested regularly and cholesterol and blood pressure reviewed at intervals set by the team. Hair growth responds slowly to treatment, because each hair follicle cycles over months, so progress is judged across several months.

In the Sharjah climate, much exercise happens indoors; brisk walking in malls, swimming and home workouts all improve insulin sensitivity. During Ramadan, the change in meal timing is a chance to plan balanced suhoor and iftar meals with the team.

Contact the hospital if you develop marked thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision or unexplained weight loss, which can signal rising blood sugar. Contact the hospital promptly for a rapid increase in body hair, deepening of the voice or clitoral enlargement, which need prompt assessment for other hormone causes.

Cost and insurance

Most UAE insurance plans cover endocrinology consultations and standard hormone and metabolic blood tests when PCOS is suspected or diagnosed. Medicines used for excess hair, cosmetic hair-reduction treatment and weight-loss medicines are commonly excluded or need pre-approval. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you confirm cover on 06 599 7777.