PCOS Awareness: Are You or Someone You Know Showing Signs of This Serious Medical Condition?

If you have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS, you are not alone. In fact, this medical disorder which involves genetic, hormone, metabolic and reproduction system afflicts nearly 7 million women around the country. Not only is it the leading cause of infertility in women, but less than half that number even know they have it. Let that sink in for a moment. The good news is, you do know so it can be addressed.

POCS is manageable with the help of lifestyle changes such as a diet for weight loss and medications such as birth control. Because September is PCOS Awareness month, we want to devote this month’s blog discussing it and spreading the word. The more women know about it, the sooner it can be looked at and relief can be found. PCOS is a serious disorder and can cause complications which can affect women with other health conditions, such as the following:

Health Problems

-Obesity
-Type 2 diabetes
-Heart disease
-Liver disease
-Anxiety and depression
-Endometrial cancer

Because it affects one in ten women, you may know someone else who has it. Knowing why something is happening can help with some of these symptoms, especially realizing you are not alone.

Signs of PCOS

-Irregular periods
-Excess facial and body hair
-Severe acne
-Small ovarian cysts
-Insulin resistance
-Anxiety and depression
-Infertility
-Weight gain

Spreading Awareness
This September, we look forward to spreading the word about this life-altering condition. We support women everywhere with their fertility issues and invite you to help us reach out to others. You may have a friend, relative or co-worker that is experiencing health issues and not know the reason for it. You can make a profound difference in someone’s life, just by making them aware!

If you know anyone with the symptoms listed above, their condition may be linked to PCOS. Helping them learn what is happening and encouraging seeking treatment can transform their life and their longevity. Health concerns should never be ignored as they can have long term consequences and with proper treatment, hormones can once again be balanced, symptoms can be reversed, and ongoing health issues can be managed.

For example, if your body produces excess insulin, it can raise the levels of androgen (like testosterone) production, which interferes with ovulation. If you experience chronic low-grade inflammation, this can result in androgens as well, which in turn affects the heart and blood vessels negatively. Excessive production of androgen in your ovaries can also lead to acne and male-pattern hair growth (on the face, back or chest). Knowing the cause opens the door to treatment and relief.

-Start by telling those you know with these symptoms to take this PCOS quiz.

-Learn more about PCOS on our site.

Our board-certified endocrinologists in Pleasant Grove, Utah, can take blood tests to determine if someone you know has PCOS and provide help. For more information, please call our Utah Fertility Center team at 801-785-5100 today! Help us spread the word about PCOS and together we can make a difference!