PCOS is a medical condition that is also known as Polycystic Ovaries, Sclerocystic Ovarian Disease, Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, Chronic Anovulatory Syndrome, Polycystic Opvarian Syndrome and PCOD or Polycystic Ovarian Disease.  It is the most common female endocrine (hormonal) disorder and characterised by multiple ovarian cysts.

Most ovarian cysts are harmless, fluid-filled sacs containing immature eggs that attach to the ovaries.  But multiple cysts, with a typical appearance of ‘a string of pearls’ or ‘pearl necklace’, are a hallmark of PCOS.  An estimated 5-10% of women of child bearing age are affected by PCOS.  In most cases, it is a ‘nuisance’ condition, which causes little or no health problems.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of PCOS can include weight gain and obesity, irregular, heavy or completely absent periods, ovarian cysts, excessive facial or body hair, Alopeia (male pattern hair loss), acne, skin tags (harmless growths from the skin), Acanthosis Nigricans (brown skin patches), high cholesterol levels, exhaustion or lack of mental alertness, decreased sex drive and excess male hormones.  Sufferers of PCOS can have all or just one of the symptoms.

Getting a Diagnosis

This can be difficult and is more than not a process of elimination.  Tests usually include a full blood test and Internal Ultra Sound Scan of your ovaries.  Unfortunately, not all doctors are sympathetic to the condition because it will neither be cured or kill you, can be reluctant to order further investigations.  Experience has shown however, that a negative result doesn’t always mean that the syndrome is not present.  Sometimes it can take several tests before a positive diagnosis is reached.

Is you suspect you do have PCOS, keep nagging your doctor for further tests, even if the ones you have had come back as negative.

 

Further Reading, Sources of Help
www.pcos.insulitelabc.com
www.pcosupport.org