What is PCOS?

What is PCOS? If you're wondering...

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which there is an imbalance of a woman's female sex hormones. This hormone imbalance may cause changes in the menstrual cycle, skin changes, small cysts in the ovaries, trouble getting pregnant, and other problems.



Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Female sex hormones include estrogen and progesterone, as well as hormones called androgens. Androgens, often called "male hormones," are also present in women, but in different amounts.
Hormones help regulate the normal development of eggs in the ovaries during each menstrual cycle. Polycystic ovary syndrome is related to an imbalance in these female sex hormones. Too much androgen hormone is made, along with changes in other hormone levels.
It is not completely understood why or how the changes in the hormone levels occur.
Follicles are sacs within the ovaries that contain eggs. Normally, one or more eggs are released during each menstrual cycle. This is called ovulation. In polycystic ovary syndrome, the eggs in these follicles do not mature and are not released from the ovaries. Instead, they can form very small cysts in the ovary.
These changes can contribute to infertility. The other symptoms of this disorder are due to the hormone imbalances.
Women are usually diagnosed when in their 20s or 30s, but polycystic ovary syndrome may also affect teenage girls. The symptoms often begin when a girl's periods start. Women with this disorder often have a mother or sister who has symptoms similar to those of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Symptoms

Changes in the menstrual cycle:
  • Absent periods, usually with a history of having one or more normal menstrual periods during puberty (secondary amenorrhea)
  • Irregular menstrual periods, which may be more or less frequent, and may range from very light to very heavy
Development of male sex characteristics:
  • Decreased breast size
  • Deepening of the voice
  • Enlargement of the clitoris
  • Increased body hair on the chest, abdomen, and face, as well as around the nipples
  • Thinning of the hair on the head, called male-pattern baldness
Other skin changes:
  • Acne that gets worse
  • Dark or thick skin markings and creases around the armpits, groin, neck, and breasts due to insulin sensitivity

    Complications

    • Increased risk of endometrial cancer
    • Infertility (early treatment of polycystic ovary disease can help prevent infertility or increase the chance of having a healthy pregnancy)
    • Obesity-related (BMI over 30 and waist circumferance greater than 35) conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes
    • Possible increased risk of breast cancer

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

So Long to Last Year

Image
In light of the new year & a fresh new canvas, we can't hold onto the things that we failed in 2015. Say good bye to the things that we didn't do or the things that we did do but regret. As I was contemplating on what to share this morning, I remembered a song that I had stumbled upon on Youtube a few days ago. It's a great anthem for those who forget that whats in the past can no longer be brought into the future. We can only take tomorrow as it comes. So lets take it one day at a time. As best as we can. Lets make this year "the best one yet." And because, I want to do more of what sparks joy in my life, I'm sharing my cover of this song. The original singer/songwriter is a beautiful gal named JJ Heller. Enjoy! Whats something you're holding onto from last year that you should let go of? What are some new things that you want to fight for this year? Some more time for yourself? Creating more memories with your family? Making new friends? I wa...
Read more

A Continuous Transformation

Image
My story started about 4 years ago. With PCOS  , I had gained weight and at the time, it seemed like the darkest days I'd ever experienced. I was depressed, discouraged, & insecure. PCOS had brought me to a place of complete misery. Not only did I not feel good internally, but externally, I couldn't even stand the sight of myself. I went from a size 0/1 on the day of my wedding, and in 4-6 short months, I had shot up to an 8/9. Spring 2007              Winter 2015 Everyone around me noticed it too. But they were just "being nice." Complimenting at the assumption that I must be so happy after I got married that I didn't care about my body or weight anymore. That wasn't the case. My eating habits didn't change. Yet I had gained massive weight in such a short time. Little did I know at that time that PCOS had crept up on me. It explained the hormone changes and the weight gain. The depression roller coaster I was on & also the gro...
Read more

My Word for 2016: JoyFull

Image
4 years ago, I stopped making resolutions. Like many other bloggers, I learned that resolutions were just a plan for failure. I'd make vague goals that were a bit impossible & before even hitting the summer, I'd give up on them. Lose weight, be a better ministry leader, read the Bible, and so on & so forth. What I've recently learned is that change doesn't just happen overnight. It takes baby steps. Dreams don't come true if we don't turn them into goals. Goals aren't reached if we don't set deadlines.  2015 was a great year. A year of challenges, change, &  transformation. I love that with a new year, comes a fresh start for you to create who you want to become. A time to self evaluate and let go of bad habits & make room for improvement on a greater version of ourselves. I've thought it through, & I choose to make 2016 " JoyFull. " I want this year to be filled with joy.  2 " Consider it nothing but joy ...
Read more