| There are many conditions that can cause infertility in | | | | than normal levels of androgens (male hormones), |
| women. Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS is a | | | | excess body hair, and chronic acne that continually |
| very common cause of female infertility. This | | | | worsens. |
| condition can have a significant impact on the | | | | Many of the less notable symptoms can also be |
| chances a woman has for getting pregnant and | | | | caused by conditions other than PCOS; therefore a |
| starting a family, as well as a woman's general health. | | | | medical doctor should always be consulted when |
| Once a woman is diagnosed with this condition, they | | | | diagnosing PCOS. |
| often wonder how polycystic ovarian syndrome | | | | Health Problems Associated with Polycystic Ovarian |
| affects their body and their family life. | | | | Syndrome |
| How Many Women Are Affected by Polycystic | | | | Many health problems are associated with PCOS. |
| Ovarian Syndrome? | | | | Obesity, for example, is commonly coupled with |
| PCOS affects about 5 to 10 percent of | | | | PCOS. About 60 percent of all women that are |
| reproductive-age women regardless of their ethnicity. | | | | diagnosed with PCOS are obese. Excessive weight |
| It can occur at almost any point of a woman's life | | | | can lead to many complications such as heart |
| beginning in her adolescence to when she first tries | | | | problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes. |
| to get pregnant. | | | | Another major concern with PCOS is the increased |
| The precise cause of PCOS is unknown. There are | | | | chance of cancer in the uterus and infertility. Each |
| many factors that could contribute to the | | | | case of PCOS is different. Not all women will have |
| condition—environmental aspects, heredity, genetic | | | | the same problems caused by this condition, but |
| mutations, a failure in the body's insulin system, | | | | almost all women will have some abnormality related |
| exposure to male hormones, and a disruption in the | | | | to their menstrual cycle. |
| level of hormones. For some women the symptoms | | | | Treatment Options for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome |
| of PCOS are obvious, while others may not even | | | | A doctor may try many different treatments |
| know they have the condition until they try to get | | | | depending on what stage a woman is in her life, as |
| pregnant and realize they are unable to. | | | | well as whether a woman wishes to get pregnant. |
| Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome | | | | Often, various lifestyle modifications and/or |
| PCOS can only be diagnosed by a medical doctor. | | | | medications are used to target specific problems |
| There are many signs and symptoms of polycystic | | | | based on each case of PCOS. |
| ovarian syndrome, some being more noticeable than | | | | Being diagnosed with PCOS can cause a great deal of |
| others. Some of the most evident symptoms include | | | | stress for the patient and their family. Physicians and |
| disruptions in the menstrual cycle, while a common | | | | families should try their best to work together and |
| sign of PCOS is the presence of multiple small cysts | | | | create a support network so a person does not |
| in the ovaries. The disruptions of the menstrual cycle | | | | have to face the condition alone. For many women |
| include delays of the menstrual cycle, fewer than | | | | the possibility of not having children is heartbreaking, |
| average menstrual cycles, irregular menstrual cycles, | | | | but hope should not be given up. |
| and no menstrual cycles for time frames of up to | | | | There are excellent treatment options for PCOS. |
| several months. | | | | These options are only available from a doctor. |
| Some of the less obvious signs of PCOS are obesity, | | | | Working with a PCOS specialist can result in a |
| weight gain, dandruff, skin discolorations, elevated | | | | successful and fulfilling family life. |
| blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, higher | | | | |