PCOS Information

So I talk about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome lately, but haven't been very informative. I believe that people should be informed about new things. I have also been learning new things about the disease over the past couple weeks which make the past few years make a little more sense.

PCOS affects 1 in 15 women. It is not scientifically linked as hereditary, but is found more common in women who have a mother or sister who have it. It has shown up as early as age 11 in girls and is the most common reason for infertility in the US. The cause is unknown, but some believe that some major trauma or stress may cause the hormonal imbalance. The earlier the diagnosis, the better chance of getting it under control and reducing your risk of a lot of problems later.

Symptoms

Abnormal, irregular, or absent cycles
Acne that gets worse
Increased hair growth, in male patterns
Infertility
Poor response to insulin or build up of insulin in the body
Weight gain or obesity and trouble losing weight
Male patterned baldness
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Patches of dark skin
Anxiety or depression
Sleep Apnea
Fatigue
Due to cycle irregularity, pregnancy symptoms occur almost monthly
Pain in the lower abdomen
Skin tags especially in the neck area
Dandruff

It can lead to diabetes or heart problems by age 40. Women with PCOS also have a 7X more likely chance of having a heart attack. Higher risk for endometrial cancer have also been found. It also increases risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Miscarriages are also very common.

I looked at 5 different web sites and not every one says the exact same thing. More and more research is being done because of how many lives are affected. It is one of those diseases that a lot of people don't believe it is real. They believe that it's just one of those things you make up when you can't figure out what is wrong. I am here to tell you it's real and very hard on a lot of women who have it. I even found there are web support groups to help so you don't feel alone. When people don't understand, they tend to lessen what you're really going through and so it's nice to have someone there that understands and knows what you're going through. Like I've said before it can be treated. If treatments are used properly, the symptoms and risks are lessened. Sometimes they go away completely. I am hearing of more and more women with PCOS getting pregnant. More and more research is being done also to help those of us out there that are having problems. I have come to grips with it and have found an amazing doctor. He is helping me do everything I possibly can right now.

I am also learning now about supplements that can be taken instead of medications, but the right dosage levels need to be determined with doctors before taken. There were 26 different supplements listed on pcosupport.org, but I'm not sure which ones are for what so I'll have to consult with my doctor next time I go in. I've also learned that sometimes losing 10% of your body weight may also help with symptoms, but the problem is that PCOS makes it extra difficult to get rid of those extra pounds. If you're well trained, I say go for it.

I must say I am lucky that my symptoms have not been worse, especially the hair growth. I'm very blessed to have found the doctor I have now since he specializes in hormonal regularity. I hope that this post might help people out there understand a little better and maybe someone who has the disease can learn something they don't know. I've found it fun researching and sharing it with the few people who may read my blog.