Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women 18-40. In fact, it is thought that at least one out of every ten women suffers from this condition.
While there have been numerous studies conducted about PCOS, there are still many things that are not known about the syndrome. If you are interested to learn more about PCOS then you should read on to find what you didn’t know about this medical condition.
PCOS affects women during their childbearing years
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition among women of reproductive age, affecting 6 to 8 percent of the population.
Unlike with other diseases, though, women with PCOS don’t have higher rates of death or complications, which, in a way, is good news.
1. The name PCOS is somewhat misleading
The term PCOS is misleading because it includes both polycystic (many cysts) and ovary (treating or relating to ovaries). As a result, it can lead to confusion about the disorder and whether it affects other parts of the body besides the ovaries.
It also can be misunderstood by women and their physicians. There are often other clinical features in addition to PCOS, most commonly menstrual disturbances, such as infrequent periods or lack of periods.
2. PCOS makes it harder to get pregnant
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is not just a problem with ovulation. If you have PCOS it means that your body is not receiving enough of the proper hormonal cues to properly release eggs from your ovaries and hence your body does not release an egg easily.
Instead, an egg may remain dormant in your ovaries for more than a year awaiting “release”. In addition to irregular or no ovulation, other symptoms include: infertility, increased levels of male hormones (this affects hair growth and causes acne or hirsutism), obesity, skin problems (e.g., stretch marks).
3. No one really knows what causes PCOS
PCOS causes numerous symptoms and has a host of health consequences that may persist throughout a woman’s life, and yet no one really knows what causes it ― not even the doctors who diagnose women with it!
A combination of genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of the syndrome.
4. There is currently no cure for PCOS
PCOS – polycystic ovary syndrome, is not fully understood by most healthcare systems and patients alike.
There is no cure for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Aside from hormone replacement, health professionals are still searching for answers and trying to decide on a method of treatment. So, if you’re one of the many women suffering from PCOS anxiety shouldn’t be getting the better of you.
Once you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) it is likely that you will have it the rest of your life.
5. PCOS can be managed
There’s no cure — yet — for polycystic ovarian syndrome, but there’s plenty of treatments available to help you manage the symptoms and live as healthy a life as possible.
And if you want to have a baby, don’t worry — there’s no shortage of options to help you get pregnant!
6. Many women with PCOS can and do get pregnant
There are a lot of misconceptions about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. People think it’s all bad, or it’s the end of child bearing. That simply isn’t true. There are many steps that can be taken to help combat PCOS and help women who have this ailment to have healthier pregnancies than before.
Many people with PCOS are surprised to find they can get pregnant. It’s certainly not true for every person, but it is a realistic option for some women diagnosed with PCOS.
7. Many women don’t know that they have PCOS
Many women don’t know that they have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) until they have trouble getting pregnant. This is because the condition is not widely known or understood. Since PCOS is less more common than diabetes, heart disease, and breast cancer, it doesn’t get the attention it needs. If you’ve experienced unsuccessful attempts at getting pregnant, you may have PCOS.
8. PCOS is often a diagnosis of exclusion
There isn’t a single test that can tell you definitively if you have PCOS. Instead, tests are used to rule out other possible disorders or conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Tissue samples can be taken and sent to a lab for testing. Accessing labs that specialise in genetics may also be beneficial. Consult your doctor to find out what is best for your particular situation.
9. The clinical signs of PCOS vary
Women have been struggling with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) for centuries. The clinical signs of PCOS are varied, but usually include enlargement of ovaries (which increase in size an average of more than 50%), male-pattern hair growth, acne, difficulty with weight loss. Menstrual irregularities and infertility can also be related to PCOS.
10. PCOS is linked to other health problems
Studies have shown that there may be a link between PCOS and other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease & high blood pressure, pain symptoms, anxiety symptoms and insomnia.
Recent studies indicate that women with PCOS are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder than women without the condition. Often this is because the condition has a negative impact on their self-esteem – they often feel unattractive as a result of their weight gain.
Conclusion
If you suffer from PCOS, you know how it can feel to be constantly at war with your body. This is a battle that will be fought for months and years to come because polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is so insidious and the symptoms are different for everyone. However, with the right mindset and approach to taking back control, I truly believe we can ultimately win this war against our own bodies–and spirits.
