PCOS

I promised that I would save this one for another day so here it is. This disease has been effecting me menstration began. (aged 12) and over time steadily gotten worse.

This is the main cuase for my infertility issues. And will be until memopause. Even when I was not trying to have a baby it was often the vaine of my exsistance. The weight gain is the big one. I have yoyo'd in weight for the last 10 years. It is frustrating. As soon as a loose the weight I struggle to maintain it and invetiably gain it all back and then some.

http://www.managingpcos.org.au/images/stories/Education/Documents/info/pcos.pdf


Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal condition of unknown cause that affects about five to 10 percent of women of reproductive age. The name can be misleading, as PCOS is not always characterised by polycystic ovaries, but rather by a range of issues that can include: irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, infertility and the possible development of diabetes.

Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that women with PCOS may experience. However, not every woman with PCOS will have every symptom, and each woman will be quite individual in her presentation. A diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome is generally made when at least two out of three of the following symptoms are met:

• Polycystic ovaries are present on ultrasound
• High levels of male hormones are in the blood (hyperandrogenism), or symptoms suggesting an
excess of male hormones are present (e.g. excessive hair growth, acne etc.)
• Menstrual dysfunction – period irregularity, lack of a period or lack of ovulation Polycystic ovaries

The name of the condition PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) implies that all women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries. However, having polycystic ovaries on ultrasound is not essential for the diagnosis of PCOS. While up to 10 per cent of women of reproductive age have PCOS (the syndrome), up to 25 per cent of women of reproductive age can have polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. These women either have no other symptoms of PCOS or have very mild symptoms and are therefore not classified as having the ‘syndrome' called PCOS.

If you have PCOS you may have:

• Periods that are irregular, infrequent or heavy
• Difficulty in becoming pregnant
• Immature ovarian eggs that do not ovulate, forming small follicles
• Excessive facial or body hair
• Weight gain and an increase of fat in your upper body
• Acne on both the face and the body
• Prediabetes or diabetes
• Higher levels of blood fats

What causes PCOS?

While the causes of PCOS are not yet clear, recent studies show that both lifestyle and genetic
factors can be involved.