PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition in which there is an imbalance of a woman's female sex hormones, and has been linked to insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, and high levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol), .

Symptoms of PCOS include, but not limited to:

Changes in the menstrual cycle:

Irregular or completely absent menstrual periods; irregular menstrual periods which may be more or less frequent, and may range from very light to very heavy.

Development of male sex characterisitics:

Hirsutism (excessive facial or body hair); increased body hair on the chest abdomen, and face, as well as around the nipples.

Alopecia (male-pattern hair loss); thinning of the hair on the head.

Decreased breast size

Deepening of the voice

Changes in the skin:

Acne

Dark or thick skin markings and creases around the armpits, groin, neck and breast due to insulin sensitivity

Skin tags (raisin-like growths on the skin)

Obesity

Infertility

Exhaustion or lack of mental alertness

Decreased sex drive

Because the symptoms vary so widely and not all women display all the symptoms, doctors very often misdiagnose PCOS.

Studies have found that women suffering from PCOS have a higher risk of coronary heart disease.