Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Effects
Symptoms of the Condition and Resources for Women Coping with PCOS
Aug 10, 2008
The US Department of Health and Human Services estimates that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects roughly one in ten women of childbearing age. Although there is no cure for PCOS, there are a number of treatment options available.
What exactly is PCOS?
Inside of a normal ovary, there are small sacs of liquid, known as “follicles,” each of which holds a growing egg. When the egg is mature, the follicle breaks open and the egg is released. This process is known as ovulation. For a woman with PCOS, often the egg never fully matures and ovulation does not occur. The follicle is then left behind in the ovary as a cyst. Over time, these cysts accumulate and can begin to cause problems.
Signs and Symptoms
There are several warning signs that a woman might have PCOS. Among these signs are irregular, infrequent or absent periods, issues with infertility, increased hair growth on the face and chest, excessive acne, oily skin, weight gain (particularly around the waist), high cholesterol and blood pressure, thinning hair, and pelvic pain. A strong sign that PCOS may be present is if patches of dark, thickened skin appear on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs.
Although most women do not have all of these signs and symptoms, a number of them in combination can be a signal that PCOS is present. If a woman suspects she may have PCOS, it is a good idea for her to contact her doctor. From there, the doctor may refer the woman to a gynecologist or endocrinologist if needed.
Long-Ranging Effects
Although PCOS cannot be cured, it can be treated. If left undiagnosed and untreated, a woman with PCOS can suffer significant health problems as she ages.
According to the US Department of Health & Human Services, more than fifty percent of women with PCOS will have diabetes or pre-diabetes before the age of 40. Additionally, women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and they often have high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. These women are thus four to seven times more likely to suffer a heart attack than other women in their same age group who do not have PCOS.
Resources and Lifestyle Strategies
Doctors recommend a number of different ways for coping with the effects of PCOS. Among these recommendations are increased exercise, healthy eating habits, and weight loss. The use of birth control pills and/or acne medication, as well as more invasive procedures such as ovarian drilling may be recommended in some cases.
Doctors also recommend that women tend to the emotional and psychological effects of PCOS. Many women with PCOS may become infertile and develop issues with body image and self-esteem. This can cause anxiety or depression, so it is important for women with PCOS to have support. Organizations such as the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association, Inc. (PCOSA) exist to help women deal with the effects of the condition.
With regard to fertility complications, there are a number of treatments available, and through these treatments many women with PCOS-induced infertility are able to conceive and give birth to healthy children. It is important to remember, however, that just because PCOS is present, that does not mean that a woman will necessarily be infertile. Women with PCOS should still consult their doctor about birth control strategies to ensure that unwanted pregnancies do not occur.
Contact Your Physician
If you have concerns about your health or think you might have PCOS, contact your physician immediately for an examination. Seeking out medical attention is the first step in getting diagnosed and learning to structure an individualized plan for treating the effects of PCOS.
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