What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
Many women present with significant ovulation problems that may indicate an underlying issue with their metabolism and nutrition. The common symptoms that may indicate polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) include very irregular or absent periods (100%), large and cystic ovaries (95%), obesity (75%), problems with excessive body hair growth and/or acne (70%), cholesterol and/or triglyceride abnormalities (70%), and a strong family history of diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, obesity, and irregular periods (100%). It has been demonstrated that PCOS is due to an underlying metabolic problem known as insulin resistance. When the body’s muscle and fat tissues become resistant to insulin action, the pancreas produces increasing amounts of insulin, leading to very high insulin levels. The high insulin levels tend to produce food cravings, particularly in the form of carbohydrates, making the cycle continue.
Since PCOS can have may variable and subtle symptoms, some doctors may overlook the diagnosis in young women not trying for pregnancy, especially if they are simply interested in regulating periods with medications, such as Provera or birth control pills. In addition, there is no single test to diagnose PCOS.
Since PCOS can have may variable and subtle symptoms, some doctors may overlook the diagnosis in young women not trying for pregnancy, especially if they are simply interested in regulating periods with medications, such as Provera or birth control pills. In addition, there is no single test to diagnose PCOS.Symptoms may include: • Oligo-amenorrhea (irregular or absent periods). • Oligo-anovulation (infrequent or no ovulation) • Infertility • Hirsutism – excessive hair growth of face, chest, or abdomen; acne • Weight gain Many experts agree that in order to diagnose PCOS, you must first rule out other endocrine conditions, such as thyroid and adrenal disease and the patient mush have 2 out of 3 of the following criteria: • History of irregular or absent menstrual cycles and or no ovulation since puberty • Hirsutism and/or high blood levels of male hormones – androgens • Ultrasound evidence of polycystic ovaries Women with PCOS have irregular menstrual cycles and infertility because the
