PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women. It is estimated that up to 10% of women of reproductive age have PCOS. The exact cause is unknown, but it often runs in families.
The main signs and symptoms of PCOS include:
Some other common PCOS symptoms are:
PCOS increases a woman's risk of developing several medical conditions, including:
While there is no cure for PCOS, treatment can help manage symptoms. Lifestyle modifications like diet, exercise, and stress reduction techniques are often recommended first. Maintaining a healthy body weight is very important. Medications like birth control pills, anti-androgens, and more may be prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles, treat hirsutism, acne, and infertility. Procedures like ovarian drilling are sometimes done for those with clomiphene citrate-resistant PCOS.
In summary, PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that can cause various symptoms like irregular periods, infertility, excess hair growth, acne, and weight gain. While challenging to live with, keeping symptoms under control through treatment can greatly improve one's quality of life. Catching and managing PCOS early on is key to preventing long term health complications down the road.