PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a fairly common condition, affecting between 3% and 5% of women. Despite the fact that it was first recognized in 1935, experts have yet to find a cause for PCOS. Although there are many PCOS symptoms, the majority of them do not initially seem interrelated, which can delay the diagnostic process. Symptoms of PCOS can include acne and hirsutism as well as irregular or heavy periods.

Because of the affect on a woman's menstrual cycle, it is often necessary to have some help in regulating and managing periods. One way of regulating menstruation is by losing weight, something which can be difficult for women with PCOS. Those looking for an alternative solution may want to try acupuncture, which has been found to be helpful at regulating periods. Women looking to get pregnant may experience infertility issues necessitating the use of infertility treatments in order to conceive.

Because no exact cause for PCOS is known, a cure for PCOS is currently not available. Instead, women with PCOS must rely upon long-term management of their symptoms. However, there is increasing evidence to suggest a connection between insulin resistance and PCOS. Diabetes and Insulin outlines this relationship in more detail and what it means for women with PCOS. One form of treatment that may be useful to those women found to have insulin issues is Metformin. However, due to a lack of research, many doctors are holding off on prescribing this drug to their patients.

If you are looking for more information and assistance with your PCOS, then go to our list of references and support for some useful information.