PCOS Syndrome - Five Frequently Asked Questions
Marc Sandford
June 10, 2009
PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome afflicts about one in ten women during their reproductive years. The effects that PCOS has on physical appearance and as well as it's association with infertility are very upsetting. However, long term PCOS may lead to heart disease and diabetes. Five frequently asked questions about PCOS are discussed in this article.
1.) What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a health condition that affects the hormones, menstrual cycle, the cardiovascular system, appearance, and the ability to have children. Women with PCOS usually have high levels of androgens or male hormones. Their periods are irregular and they have many fluid filled sacs called cysts in their ovaries.
2.) What is the cause of PCOS?
It's believed that too much insulin in the body is linked to PCOS. Insulin is used to change sugar and starches into energy for the body to store or burn.
Women with PCOS cannot effectively use insulin and so it tends to build up in their bodies. Too much insulin causes high levels of androgen which then yields the symptoms seen in PCOS. These include ovulation problems, acne, excess hair growth, and weight gain.
3.) How common is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome afflicts about 10 percent of the female population of childbearing age. It is the leading cause of fertility problems in women.
4.) Is polycystic ovarian syndrome a genetically inherited condition?
It tends to run in families. If your mother or sister has it, there is a strong chance that you'll get it too.
5.) What are the symptoms of PCOS?
PCOS can display any of the following symptoms:
Infrequent menstruation, pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, and infertility.
Acne, oily skin, and skin tags which are small flaps of skin in the armpits or neck.
Ovarian cysts.
Heavy hair growth on the face, back, chest, stomach, thumbs, or toes.
Obesity and weight gain around the waist.
Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
High cholesterol, high blood pressure.
Patches of black or brown skin around the breasts, neck, arms, or thighs.
Male pattern baldness, thinning hair.
Inordinate snoring and short periods when breathing stops during sleep. This condition is referred to as sleep apnea.
It is vital to get the symptoms of PCOS treated as early as possible in order to avoid it's long term complications. See your doctor about getting all of your symptoms under control.
Searching for a good reference on PCOS and ovarian cysts? Learn about PCOS and about natural remedies for PCOS.
1.) What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a health condition that affects the hormones, menstrual cycle, the cardiovascular system, appearance, and the ability to have children. Women with PCOS usually have high levels of androgens or male hormones. Their periods are irregular and they have many fluid filled sacs called cysts in their ovaries.
2.) What is the cause of PCOS?
It's believed that too much insulin in the body is linked to PCOS. Insulin is used to change sugar and starches into energy for the body to store or burn.
Women with PCOS cannot effectively use insulin and so it tends to build up in their bodies. Too much insulin causes high levels of androgen which then yields the symptoms seen in PCOS. These include ovulation problems, acne, excess hair growth, and weight gain.
3.) How common is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome afflicts about 10 percent of the female population of childbearing age. It is the leading cause of fertility problems in women.
4.) Is polycystic ovarian syndrome a genetically inherited condition?
It tends to run in families. If your mother or sister has it, there is a strong chance that you'll get it too.
5.) What are the symptoms of PCOS?
PCOS can display any of the following symptoms:
Infrequent menstruation, pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, and infertility.
Acne, oily skin, and skin tags which are small flaps of skin in the armpits or neck.
Ovarian cysts.
Heavy hair growth on the face, back, chest, stomach, thumbs, or toes.
Obesity and weight gain around the waist.
Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
High cholesterol, high blood pressure.
Patches of black or brown skin around the breasts, neck, arms, or thighs.
Male pattern baldness, thinning hair.
Inordinate snoring and short periods when breathing stops during sleep. This condition is referred to as sleep apnea.
It is vital to get the symptoms of PCOS treated as early as possible in order to avoid it's long term complications. See your doctor about getting all of your symptoms under control.
Searching for a good reference on PCOS and ovarian cysts? Learn about PCOS and about natural remedies for PCOS.
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