Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Singapore: What you need to know

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Travis Jones

Some may hear the name Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and assume that the disorder is simply related to a woman having multiple cysts on her ovaries. However, it is much more complicated than that. Affecting 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, PCOS is a condition which is not only a concern for millions of women, but also the #1 cause of infertility. Here, Pacific Prime provides information on PCOS and how women can best address it.

Cysts on the ovaries are, in actuality, merely a symptom of PCOS. The true affliction that leads to the development of cysts, as well as a myriad of other symptoms, is an excess of male hormones produced by a female body. This leads to enlarged ovaries and, potentially, a host of other problems. Currently, the underlying cause of this imbalance is unknown. What is known, however, is that, left untreated, PCOS can cause more serious health risks in the long term, which include cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

How would you know if you had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? Symptoms include:

• Sleep apnea

• Depression or anxiety

• Infertility

• Pelvic pain

• Irregular or skipped periods

• Skin tags

• Hair growth

• Thinning hair

• Thick dark patches of skin

• Acne

• Weight gain

To be sure, PCOS can have major negative impacts on a woman’s life, but there are treatments available to help alleviate symptoms. Birth control pills can be used to balance out the excessive male hormones caused by PCOS and help to normalize irregular menstrual cycles. Getting plenty of exercise can also aid in creating a regular cycle, as well as boost fertility and control weight gain.

Despite the existence of treatments for most symptoms, there is no cure for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. PCOS is still a chronic condition that women have to deal with for the entirety of their lives. This is important to note, as obtaining ongoing treatments for PCOS-related symptoms can be costly, and many insurance policies will not pay for them if a woman’s PCOS is deemed to be a pre-existing condition. Women who have been diagnosed to have PCOS and either do not currently have health insurance, or have switched to a new insurer following may need to take steps to ensure that treatment will be covered. While some insurance companies will require a loading or a higher premium to cover a pre-existing condition, there are plans available, like International Health Insurance plans offered by Pacific Prime, that do not exclude pre-existing conditions. Additionally, International Health Insurance plans place no restrictions on the medical facilities that can be used, so patients are free to see the doctor of their choice.

To find a doctor well suited to diagnose or treat symptoms related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, there are many online forums, such as those found on SingaporeMotherhood.com or SingaporeExpats.com where experienced users can share their experiences with doctors (good or bad), and get recommendations.

Beyond this, in Singapore, there are several facilities that women affected by, or think they may be affected by PCOS, can avail themselves of. Changi General Hospital even has a clinic dedicated to serving women with PCOS and other gynae-endocrinological problems. The Women’s Wellness Centre at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital is also well suited to diagnose and treat women’s PCOS.

To find out if your insurance plan covers PCOS and related treatments please contact the helpful agents at Pacific Prime Singapore. They can answer all your insurance questions and even provide a free quote to compare plans from numerous insurers that address all of your specific medical needs.