Polycystic ovarian syndrome – an update for GPs

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) remains a complex and challenging condition. Management can vary according to age and individual needs. It impacts approximately one in 10 women at some stage in their life span between menarche and menopause. This session will mainly focus on realistic and time-framed specific, measurable, realistic, timed (SMART) approach to maximise outcomes for patients.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) remains a complex and challenging condition. Management can vary according to age and individual needs. This session will mainly focus on the following evidence-based objectives to maximise the health-related outcomes for the PCOS patients we come across in our daily practice.

It will consider:

• specific, measurable, realistic, timed (SMART) approaches
• a combination of lifestyle modifications incorporating healthy eating, walk and exercise
• use of anti-diabetogenic agents and hormonal ovarian suppression to improve metabolic and androgenic impairment
• addressing Infertility issues
• menstrual irregularities
• respectful and personalised approach according to individual needs
• continuity of care, monitoring, and ongoing support to reach targets
• importance of psychological support
• maintenance of healthy lifestyle to avoid potential PCOS-related metabolic health hazards. 

Speaker

Dr Samina Ahmed MBBS, FCPS, FRANZCOG, Masters in Rep Med - Joan Kirner Western Health.

Samina is a highly skilled gynaecologist and obtained her Fellowship from the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Australia and New Zealand (RANZCOG) in 2016.

She has specialty appointments at Geelong University Hospital, Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Sunshine Private Hospital and St Vincent’s Werribee as a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist.

She also holds a fertility sub-specialist appointment at Joan Kirner Western Health. In this role she assists couples to produce an offspring through assisted reproductive techniques (ART/IVF).

In addition, Samina holds senior academic appointments at Deakin University Geelong and the University of Melbourne. She is also Supervisor at RANZCOG. 

She can speak English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi.

She provides a broad range gynaecological services in a friendly and comprehensively informative manner. She is experienced in managing Infertility, ovulation induction, assisted reproductive techniques, menstrual abnormalities, endometriosis and pelvic pain, fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic organ prolapse with urinary incontinence, abnormal cervical cancer screening results and colposcopy.

Samina has expertise in a wide range of surgical procedures, including hysterectomy, hysteroscopy, Mirena , contraception (IUD/sterilisation), suction D&C, endometrial ablation, colposcopy, and laparoscopy. 

As a medical professional her philosophy and motive is to give the maximum possible care with competence and passion.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe the diagnostic criteria for PCOS
• Explain a realistic and time-framed specific, measurable, realistic, timed (SMART) approach to maximise outcomes for PCOS patients.
• Explain an evidence-based targeted approach to manage PCOS-related menstrual and infertility issues
• Demonstrate the importance of continuity of care, monitoring and ongoing support to reach targets.