Women's Health PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome) Awareness Month

One in ten women will be diagnosed with PCOS in their lifetime. Half of which will go undiagnosed. According to the PCOS Foundation, PCOS can be described as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, and is one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders in women. PCOS has been recognized and diagnosed in women for over seventy-five years. This disease is one that women can live with and not even know anything is wrong. While others will find they do show the symptoms but, are unsure as to what it is. Diagnosis of PCOS is a must for every woman suspecting or concerned about the syndromes.  

PCOS symptoms may begin to show as early as a young teen girls first menstrual period.  

What Symptoms Should I Look For? 

• Menstrual Problems such as: irregular cycle, abnormal bleeding, no menstrual period, heavy bleeding,etc. 

• Hair loss from the scalp 

• Abnormal Hair Growth in girls and women... such as chin, lip, neck, chest, back, stomach, thumbs, toes, etc. 

• Acne and Oily Skin 

• Fertility Problems such as not ovulating, miscarriages, inability to conceive.  

• Insulin Resistance which can lead to other diseases (type 2 diabetes) 

• Depression or Mood Swings 

• Sleep Apnea (usually caused by obesity) 

PCOS in young teen girls often go undiagnosed because the parent believes the child's menstrual cycle will be irregular. Parents must be urged to watch their young daughters closely for any signs of PCOS. Early detection is a MUST! PCOS can affect your reproductive system and how your body handles blood sugar and it can affect your heart.  

Reproductive Problems such as: 

• Infertility – inability to conceive due to no ovulation or hormone imbalance within the body 

• Repeat miscarriages 

• Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy 

• Higher Blood Pressure during pregnancy 

• Larger or smaller than normal size baby at birth 

• Precancer of the uterine lining 

• Uterine cancer 

Remember, women can have PCOS and not even know they do have it. Symptoms can vary from woman to woman. One may only see weight gain, while another may see weight gain and increased facial hair. PCOS is a leading disease that can be treated when detected early on. Regular doctor check ups and Pap Smears are a must. Talk with your doctor today if you feel you have any of the symptoms above. 

Why is Early Detection a MUST? 

• Problems with blood sugar which can lead to diabetes. 
• Heart problems or stroke- high insulin levels can lead to heart and blood vessel problems such as : hardening of the arteries, Coronary Artery Disease, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, and even Stroke.  

If you have a predisposition to PCOS, your mother, sister, grandmother, etc.have had PCOS or irregular periods it is wise to be checked as soon as possible for it as well. 

There is Hope for every woman struggling with PCOS! Talk with your doctor today and start your treatment early!  

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