PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Assessment and Management in Dubai
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal condition, not just an ultrasound finding: irregular or absent periods, signs of excess male-type hormones such as acne and unwanted hair, and ovaries that show many small follicles, in some combination. It is common, often missed, and linked to insulin resistance, weight and fertility. At Smart Care Polyclinic in Deira, a female gynaecologist diagnoses it under the international guideline and builds a plan around what matters to you.
For: irregular periods, acne, unwanted hair, weight gain, difficulty conceiving
Takes: a consultation with pelvic ultrasound; blood tests
Price: consultation AED 150, ultrasound included
What it is
PCOS is diagnosed on a combination of features, not on cysts alone. The 2023 international evidence-based guideline — 254 recommendations and practice points developed across six continents — moved the diagnosis fully onto evidence-based criteria, and notes that diagnosis is still commonly delayed and the needs of women with PCOS often unmet.1 In adults, two of three features make the diagnosis: irregular cycles, clinical or biochemical signs of excess androgens, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, with other causes excluded.
The tests reflect that. Blood tests for androgens, thyroid and prolactin to rule out mimics, and for blood sugar and lipids because PCOS raises the risk of type 2 diabetes; a pelvic ultrasound performed in the consultation; and a discussion of weight, cycle and symptoms.
Management is built around your priorities. For irregular periods and the protection of the womb lining, hormonal treatment or cyclical progestogen. For acne and hair, the combined pill and other options. For fertility, ovulation induction after the basics are optimised. For long-term health, lifestyle measures and screening for diabetes and blood pressure, because those are the risks that matter most over a lifetime. Weight management, where relevant, is available through the clinic's programme with medical supervision.
What PCOS is not
It is not caused by anything you did, it is not the same as ovarian cysts, and it does not mean you cannot have children. Most women with PCOS conceive, some with help. It is a lifelong tendency that is managed rather than cured, and managed well it need not limit anything.
Adolescents
Irregular periods are normal in the first two years after periods start, so PCOS is diagnosed more cautiously in teenagers and ultrasound is not used for the diagnosis at that age. A teenager with persistent irregularity, significant acne or hair growth is assessed and followed rather than labelled early.
The consultation, and what follows from it
Gynaecology consultation, with ultrasound
Assessment, examination and a plan with every cost stated before anything further is done.
AED 150 was AED 250
Bookspecialist gynaecologist, ultrasound and 10 blood tests
the PCOS blood tests on their own
the full hormone profile, 13 tests
supervised programme, where weight is part of the picture
Questions patients ask
Under the 2023 international guideline, by two of three features in adults: irregular cycles, signs or blood tests of excess androgens, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, with thyroid disease, high prolactin and other causes excluded. The consultation includes the ultrasound and arranges the bloods.
Yes. Cycles can be regulated, acne and hair growth reduced, ovulation induced where fertility is the goal, and the long-term risks of diabetes and heart disease reduced with lifestyle measures and monitoring.
Where weight is a factor, even modest weight loss improves cycles, ovulation and insulin resistance. Where weight is not a factor, PCOS still needs managing; it is not only a weight condition.
This guide is general information, not advice about you. Symptoms overlap between conditions, and the gynaecologist's history, examination and ultrasound are what decide your assessment and treatment.
References
- Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven JJE, et al.. Recommendations From the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2023;108(10):2447-2469. PMID 37580314. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgad463The 2023 international guideline: 254 recommendations and practice points, evidence-based diagnostic criteria, and the observation that diagnosis is still delayed and the needs of those with PCOS often unmet.
Sources are listed for the specific statements they support. They are published research and guidance, not a substitute for a consultation — what applies to you is decided by a doctor who has assessed you.
Read more: PCOS in the UAE: Symptoms, Tests and What Treatment Involves