Skin Health Articles

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) affects approximately one in every ten women of child bearing age. The consequences of PCOS on personal appearance and as well as it’s association with infertility are very upsetting. However, a long term consequence is that it can cause cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Five frequently asked questions about PCOS are discussed in this article.

1.) What is PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a health condition that affects the hormones, menstrual cycle, personal appearance, the cardiovascular system, and the ability to have children. PCOS causes women to have very high levels of androgens which are male hormones. Their periods are irregular and they have excessive cysts (fluid filled sacs) in their ovaries.

2.) What is the cause of PCOS?

It is commonly believed that an excess of insulin in the body is linked to PCOS. Insulin is used to change sugar and starches into energy which the body either burns or stores.

Women with PCOS have difficulty using insulin and so it tends to build up in their bodies. Too much insulin causes high levels of androgen which leads to the typical symptoms seen in PCOS. These symptoms include problems with ovulation, acne, excess hair growth, and weight gain.

3.) How common is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome afflicts about 10 percent of females of reproductive age. It’s the main cause of infertility in women.

4.) Is polycystic ovarian syndrome a genetically inherited condition?

It seems to run within the family. If your sister or mother has PCOS, there is a strong chance that you’ll get it too.

5.) What are the symptoms of PCOS?

PCOS may exhibit some of the following symptoms:

Pelvic pain, few or no menstrual periods, irregular bleeding, and infertility.

Acne problems, and skin tags which can be described as skin flaps in the armpits and neck.

Ovarian cysts.

Heavy hair growth on the face, back, stomach, chest, toes, and thumbs.

A lot of weight gain on the waist.

Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

High cholesterol, high blood pressure.

Brown or black skin occurring in patches around the breasts, neck, arms, or thighs.

Male pattern baldness, thinning hair.

Excessive snoring and times when breathing temporarily ceases when sleeping. This is a condition referred to as sleep apnea.

It is vital to get the symptoms of PCOS treated as early as possible so that it’s long term complications can be avoided. Consult your doctor to get treatment of all of the symptoms of PCOS.