What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a problem in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance. It can cause problems with your periods and severely effect your fertility. PCOS effects nearly every aspect of your body and if not treated it can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, stroke and cancer.

PCOS is the number one cause of Female related infertility today; affecting 6-10% of women.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms tend to be mild at first. You may have only a few symptoms or many
of them. The most common symptoms are:

* irregular or no menstrual periods
* acne
* obesity/weight gain/inability to lose weight (insulin resistance)
* breathing problems while sleeping (sleep apnea)
* depression, anxiety
* oily skin
* infertility
* skin discolorations
* high cholesterol levels
* elevated blood pressure
* excess or abnormal hair growth and distribution
* pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis
* multiple ovarian cysts
* thinning hair/hair loss
* skin tags

Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. That is why it is called polycystic ovary syndrome. The cysts are not harmful, but lead to hormone imbalances.

PCOS runs in families, so your chance of having it is higher if other women in your family have PCOS, irregular periods, or diabetes. PCOS can be passed down from either your mother’s or father’s side.

PCOS cannot be cured, but it CAN BE TREATED. Treated correctly you can control your insulin resistance (weight issues), regulate your hormones and have normal cycles and therefore preserve your fertility. Don’t think just because you have PCOS you’re life is over. Its overwhelming when first diagnosed but the key is to educate yourself about the condition, and about your options. Before you start any treatment; prescription or natural, DO YOUR RESEARCH. This is your body, its your responsibility to find the best available and the only way you can find out what that is, is by educating yourself.

EDUCATION is key when dealing with PCOS.

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