PCOS In
Teenaged Girls

PCOS Begins Early

Sporadic
periods are not entirely uncommon for a teenage girl, especially since it can take
up to two years for her system to adapt to the new phenomenon.  It also isn’t uncommon for acne to accompany
this hormonal change – however, these very symptoms can signal the onset of
PCOS in some teens.  If a girl starts
menstruating and then stops for several months, or if she gains a considerable amount
of weight and has acne that is worsening and not going away, a visit to the doctor
would be wise in order to be tested properly for PCOS.

Polycystic
ovary syndrome is an increasingly common problem amongst teenage girls and
young women and it appears to be related to an imbalance in hormones.  In females with PCOS, there is an
overabundance of the male hormones, androgens and testosterone.  The hormones are naturally occurring in the
female body, however, when there are more than are necessary, problems might
arise.

Contributors And Symptoms

There are many things that are considered to
be contributors to this condition, and it is also thought that PCOS may be hereditary – so if
someone in the family has it, it is likely to be passed on.  There are a lot of risks and potential
problems for the teen with PCOS if she is not treated properly.  Among other things, girls with PCOS are more
likely to be infertile, have hirsutism (excessive amounts of unwanted body
hair) or suffer hair loss, acne, weight problems, diabetes, heart disease, high
blood pressure, abnormal bleeding and even cancer.

There Is Good News

The good
news is that PCOS, while not having a cure, is highly treatable and once the
important part – the diagnosis – is complete, obtaining proper treatment
reduces the seriousness of the side effects of PCOS.  PCOS can be very hard on a teen’s emotions
and sense of personal wellbeing.  Some of
the symptoms (skin problems, hair problems, and/or weight problems) are very
obvious and uncomfortable.  There are
medications available to address excessive hair growth, as well as depilatory
creams and electrolysis.  A well balanced
and healthy diet, coupled with a consistent exercise program helps to keep
weight in check and acne is controllable with birth control pills.

Depression
can easily creep in, given all of the emotional and physical challenges a
teenage girl is faced with if she has PCOS. 
It may be of help to see a therapist or mental health professional who
can the appropriate counseling.  There
are also support groups and programs especially designed for teens and young
women who have been diagnosed and are living with PCOS.