4 Frustrating Facts About PCOS... and What They Mean for You

Depression. Weight gain. Increased acne and hair growth. Irregular periods. Infertility. These are some of the most notable symptoms of one of the most common hormonal, metabolic and reproductive disorders found in women: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). So, what is PCOS exactly? Women with PCOS have too many male hormones and not enough female hormones, which interferes with ovulation. With PCOS, the ovaries are typically enlarged and may even contain multiple small cyst-like structures (immature ovarian follicles). If left untreated, this hormone imbalance can affect everything from a woman's menstrual cycle, to her appearance, to her ability to have children, to her overall health. Unfortunately, this disorder is one of the most misunderstood, under-diagnosed and under-funded conditions affecting women's health. It's time to step up and educate ourselves. So here are four frustrating facts about PCOS and what they mean for you: 1. Between five to 10 percent of women of childbearing age in the United States, or roughly 5 million, have PCOS. That percentage makes it one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders in women. What's more, it also makes it the most common cause of female infertility. According to Sasha Ottey, founder and executive director of PCOS Challenge, Inc., "PCOS is one of the most critical, underserved, under-diagnosed and under-funded conditions affecting women's health. We need the help of media, government agencies and funding sources ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news