What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

It is PCOS month awareness started in 2018 and some of you may no know what this disease is.

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

t is PCOS month awareness started in 2018 and some of you may no know what this disease is. According to Mayo clinic, Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones that are usually present in women in small amounts.

In layman terms, it means numerous small fluid-filled sacs called cysts that form on a woman's ovaries. This may mean a woman may not ovulate, have irregular periods, and have infertility issues. However not all women get cysts.

Unfortunately, it is unclear what causes the disease but many of the women who have it have insulin resistance. Insulin levels build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. Worldwide, PCOS affects 6% to 10% of women, making it the most common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age.

Symptoms of Polycystic ovary syndrome;

Missed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods, Ovaries that are large or have many cysts, Excess body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back Weight gain, especially around the abdomen, acne, or oily skin, Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair, Infertility, Small pieces of excess skin on the neck or armpits and dark or thick skin patches on the back of the neck, in the armpits, and under the breasts.

Unfortunately, this condition has no cure, and though PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder, it receives less than 1% of funding from the National Institutes of Health.

So how is diagnosed;

 You will also have a physical exam. This will likely include a pelvic exam. This exam checks the health of your reproductive organs, both inside and outside your body. Other tests may include an ultrasound and blood tests to look for high levels of androgens and other hormones. Since there is no cure you can only manage the condition through your diet and medication.