Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month: September
What is PCOS?
The name ‘polycystic ovarian syndrome’ is very frightening to hear, because it sounds as if it refers to cysts, which is misleading. PCOS fortunately does NOT mean there are cysts on the ovaries.
In simple terms, PCOS affects the little follicles in the ovaries in which potential eggs await the right hormonal signals to grow, after which they are released during ovulation. With PCOS, the little follicles are not stimulated to grow and to release every month.
PCOS is actually an endocrine (hormone) disease of the ovaries. It is a genetic disease and runs in families, and it is also a chronic medical condition for which there is no known cure. However, like other chronic medical problems such as asthma or diabetes, it can be well managed over the long term.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
It is important to note that PCOS can affect different women in different ways.
However, below are listed some of the most experienced symptoms of PCOS.
* Problems with ovulation
* No menstruation or irregular menstruation
* Prolonged, heavy menstruation
* Recurrent miscarriages
* Infertility
* Skin problems
* Acne
* Unwanted and abnormal hair growth
* Excess weight, rapid weight gain and difficulty in losing weight
* Health problems associated weight issues
* Problems with sugar metabolism and insulin levels
* Cholesterol
* High blood pressure.
* Obstructive sleep apnea
Not all women experience all the symptoms or in the same way. … Read the rest