Re: polycystic ovarian syndrome
**What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)? **
PCOS is a health problem that can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. Women with PCOS have these characteristics:
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high levels of male hormones, also called androgens
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an irregular or no menstrual cycle
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may or may not have many small cysts in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs.
PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women of childbearing age.
How many women have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?An estimated five to 10 percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS.
**What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)? **
These are some of the symptoms of PCOS:
- infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding
- infertility or inability to get pregnant because of not ovulating
- increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes
- acne, oily skin, or dandruff
- pelvic pain
- weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist
- type 2 diabetes
- high cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
- patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
- skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
- sleep apnea―excessive snoring and breathing stops at times while asleep
NOTE: NOT ALL WOMEN HAVE ALL THE SYMPTOMS.