Know The Signs And Symptoms Of PCOS

No one knows the cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome, but for the 5 to 10% of women in the reproductive stages of their life, it can be a painful threat to their future.PCOS affects patients in many ways.In addition to suffering the internal pain, the mental stress can be a burden as they struggle to find a treatment that will work for them.

Endometrial Cancer Is A Concern

The risk of endometrial cancer rises sharply for women with PCOS because this condition causes irregular menstruation.

Although endometrial cancer can be cured, approximately 7,000 women will still lose their life to it every year.This condition is not routinely picked up with a PAP smear.Unfortunately, too many women ignore the symptoms until it's too late or they don't receive a diagnosis in time.

Problems With Hormones

Like so many things associated with out bodies, hormones aren't a problem until they become out of balance.

When this occurs, the symptoms begin to dominate the patient's daily life.Their menstrual periods become unpredictable and may even stop for months on end.These women don't know when their period will start or how long it may last.

Women with PCOS have a high infertility rate.This is a problem that can become a troubling issue between couples.Suffers of polycystic ovarian syndrome often become depressed over this issue.They feel since they are unable to get pregnant, they may not be 'normal' and many report feeling less than a whole woman because of it.

Another symptom of PCOS is the fact that hair growth greatly declines with the onset of the disease.Women find the hair on the scalps falls out faster than it grows, leaving them with thinning hair that rarely comes back on its own.On the other hand, hair growth in other unwanted and undesirable places may start to grow profusely that is difficult to remove.

Weight Issues

PCOS can affect your weight control.

Approximately half of those diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome are classified as obese with particular weight gain in the midsection.In addition to increasing the risk associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart problems, and diabetes, the added weight can take it's toll on a woman's self esteem.The added weight makes life in general more difficult.
A recent study has concluded that extra fat stored in the abdomen suggests the risk of a heart attack is greatly increased.

Skin Issues

One of the first symptoms PCOS sufferers notice is their skin begins to change.

Discoloration in what appears to be age spots soon replaces their once creamy skin in a very short time frame.Acne breakouts occur, then seem to get better, but soon another breakout occurs and never completely clears up.This can lower the sufferer's self esteem, as they can never have the appearance they previously had.Polycystic ovarian syndrome can add to an already damaged self-image with the constant pain.

Although studies are on going to discover a cure for polycystic ovarian syndrome, there is none to date.Sufferers can only look for treatments to ease their symptoms and continue to visit their doctor on a regular basis.The lucky patients find that a simple lifestyle change is enough to help control these problems.Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek help from a medical professional if you feel that something is not right.

About the Author

Christine O'Kelly is an author for the polycystic ovarian syndrome research group from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

They are currently involved in numerous research studies on PCOS.Visit them online for more information about this syndrome, or to volunteer for their current trials.

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