Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in women -- a set of symptoms caused by elevated "male" hormone levels (androgen levels) in the female body. Symptoms include increased facial/body hair (hirsutism), infertility, weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, male-pattern hair loss, and acne. Having PCOS increases a woman's risk of diabetes, heart disease, and even emotional disorders (such as depression).
A doctor can diagnose PCOS when 2 of these 3 symptoms are present (
Rotterdam criteria):
- anovulation (lack of ovulation) (can be determined by irregular menstrual cycles & monitoring cycles by charting temperature and using ovulation prediction kits)
- elevated androgen levels (as determined by blood tests)
- cysts on the ovaries (as determined by ultrasound)
It is estimated that as many as
5-10% of women are affected by PCOS! It is the
most common cause of female factor infertility. Fortunately, it is largely manageable through diet, exercise, and medication (diabetes medication, such as Metformin, can mitigate some symptoms; infertility medication, like Clomid or Femara, can stimulate ovulation to increase chances of pregnancy).
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