Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

I came across a site where the author tells about how she is dealing with PCOS.  I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS too. I have an absent menstrual periods for 3 months that's why I went to my OBgyne to have my check up. Now, I'm currently on medication and hopefully it will go well..

I know many women out there have the same problem with me. So I do some research of my own even when I’m checking with my OB. What every women should know about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?  

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. In fact, PCOS is believed to be the most commonly found reason for menstrual irregularities in women of reproductive age. It often starts as early as the teen years. PCOS can usually be detected by ultrasound. Most, but not all, women with this condition have enlarged ovaries and numerous small cysts located along the outer edge of each ovary (polycystic appearance). The presence of these cysts is what the condition is named after.

 To be diagnosed with the PCOS, your doctor looks for three things: (1) symptoms and physical findings of PCOS, (2) positive results from hormonal testing, and (3) verification via ultrasound.

SYMPTOMS OF PCOS
PCOS symptoms can vary from patient to patient. However, here are some of the more common ones:

Irregular or No Menstrual Periods
Menstrual abnormality is the most common symptom of PCOS. Menstrual abnormalities include menstrual intervals longer than 36 days, having less than eight periods in a year, having no menstruation at all for four months or longer; and prolonged periods that may be scant or heavy.

Acne, Oily Skin, or Excessive or Abnormal Hair Growth and DistributionElevated levels of the male hormone androgen may result in excess facial and body hair, adult acne or severe adolescent acne, and male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). However, the physical signs of androgen excess vary with ethnicity; studies have shown that women of Northern European or Asian descent may not be affected.

Polycystic Ovaries on Ultrasound
Findings of 12 or more small (2 to 9 mm) follicles in each ovary on ultrasound suggest PCOS.

Obesity, Weight Gain, or the Inability to Lose Weight
Approximately 60 percent of women with PCOS have weight management issues that can lead to obesity. Energy in the form of glucose (from food) is stored as fat after digestion instead of being made available for other functions within the body. This can lead to chronic fatigue and undernourishment, despite adequate food intake and even the appearance of overnourishment. However, it's important to note that 40 percent of women with PCOS are of normal weight or fall under a normal weight range.

Difficulty Getting Pregnant
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have trouble becoming pregnant because of irregular or infrequent ovulation—or even lack of ovulation altogether. PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility.

Skin Discolorations or Skin Tags 
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is the medical term for darkened, velvety skin on the nape of your neck, armpits, inner thighs, vulva, or under your breasts; it is caused by insulin resistance. 

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR 
Early diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome may help reduce your risk of long-term complications, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and endometrial and breast cancer.  Talk to your doctor if you experience menstrual irregularities—such as infrequent periods, prolonged periods, or no menstrual periods at all—and have an acne problem or excess hair on your face and body.

So, if you have irregular menstruation, more likely you would have the same problem as mine. Better consult your Obgyne.