Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): What in the World? (Copy)

I heard the term PCOS several years ago when a co-worker disclosed, she was having difficulty getting pregnant because she had it.  Since then I have had other friends and co-workers talk about their diagnosis of PCOS.  It’s interesting that they all have the diagnosis but no two have the same symptoms.  So, let’s talk about what PCOS is.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens (male sex hormone) that are usually present in women in small amounts.  In some women there may be a loss of ovulation leading to small cysts.  It can begin as early as 11 or 12 shortly after menstrual cycles begin or later in the 20s or 30s.  The cause is unclear.  However, family history and insulin resistance (higher androgen levels) are possible theories.  The symptoms vary from missed to irregular cycles, excess body hair, weight gain (especially around the stomach), acne or oily skin, male-pattern baldness or thinning hair, infertility, and dark/thick skin patches on the back of the neck, armpit, and under breast.

PCOS is one the most common causes of infertility in women, affecting 6 to 12% of U.S. women.  As many other reproductive challenges, PCOS can go undiagnosed for many years.  It is often not found until a woman is having difficulty conceiving.  It is diagnosed by ultrasound and blood tests.  There is no cure but treatment is available.  Treatment consists of medication or birth control depending on if a woman is trying to get pregnant or not.  Complications linked to PCOS are type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, problems with the heart and blood vessels, uterine cancer, and gestational diabetes.  It is definitely not something to take lightly. 

This condition as well as the others I have discussed can create mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety.  We will discuss the link between the two on the blog next week.  If you have an inkling that this maybe what you have or are dealing with, please do the following:

1.     Talk with the women in your family about medical history

2.     Contact your doctor

3.     Discuss your symptoms (write them down so you remember)

4.     Requests the tests to confirm the condition.