Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects roughly over 5 million women in the United States. As common as this disorder is, it often goes undiagnosed. Women who have PCOS are very likely to experience other serious health problems such as Type II diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.
What is PCOS? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can create inflammation of the ovaries and produce fluid-filled sacs around the female organs. These sacs are immature follicles released by the ovaries but never fertilized. This disorder causes hormonal imbalance, specifically higher male hormone androgen levels. This causes women to skip menstrual periods or experience irregularity, and many have difficulty getting pregnant.
What Are The Symptoms of PCOS? ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Irregular menstrual periods or missed periods Hormonal imbalances-higher levels of the male hormone androgen Polycystic ovaries-follicle cysts around ovaries Male pattern baldness or excessive body hair on face, chest, and back. Infertility-difficulty getting pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy Weight gain- especially in the belly area Dark thick patches of skin around the back of neck, armpits, and under breasts Skin tags on neck and underarms Acne, particularly on the lower half of the face Pelvic Pain
Can it Go Away on Its Own? There is no known cure for PCOS, and it will not go away on its own. Many women struggle with the hormonal imbalance into menopause. Cultivating a healthy balanced diet and getting regular exercise has been proven to reduce PCOS symptoms. Individuals who have done this and lost excessive body fat have shown to reverse many of their symptoms and related conditions. Many women use medications to treat their PCOS. Hormone therapy medications such as Clomid (clomiphene) or Progesterone (FSH) help with ovulation and follicle development. Antiandrogens also help lower androgen levels (the male hormone that produces excessive body hair and acne). Others take insulin-sensitizing agents that help the body become more responsive to insulin and create glucose stability.