What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

For many years, polycystic ovary syndrome has been misunderstood and under-diagnosed.

Warning Signs of PCOS

As a multi-symptom disease, the most common symptom of polycystic ovaries is irregular periods. Patients with this symptom may skip periods for weeks or months at a time, but when they do have a period they experience heavy menstrual bleeding.

Other Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Are:

• Insulin resistance
• Abnormal hair growth
• Skin changes, such as acne
• If you're having difficulty getting pregnant because of the irregular period.

How To Manage PCOS

With an upwards of 15% of women in the United States suffering from polycystic ovaries, knowing how manage these symptoms is important.

The old adage of, “Oh I didn't get my period, I must have been stressed,” is really not an accurate assessment of the situation.

If you are having these symptoms, please see a gynecologist and be evaluated. If left untreated over years and years, this disease can cause bigger problems down the road.

These Problems Could Include:

• Premature coronary disease
• A pre-symptom of diabetes
• Risk of endometrial cancer

Is There a Treatment for PCOS?

The only way to treat the disease is through management of the ill effects of the disease process. For example, if you have insulin resistance you should try to change your diet and exercise. With the help of weight-loss, you can decrease the chance of developing diabetes later in life.

The regulation of cycles through a variety of medications can prevent the risk of endometrial cancer overtime. The best way to reverse some of the effects of polycystic ovaries is through diet and weight loss.

Don't wait for your symptoms to cause bigger problems, find out about our CHI Health Women's Health Team.