Alittle bit about me: I used to be a ballerina and then I started noticing unexplained weight gain, I was becoming incredibly moody and was continuously in the doctors office trying to find out what was wrong with me. Then on December 6 2006 I discovered I had PCOS after being ill off and on for close to 4 years now. I am now on Metformin and various other medications to help manage my PCOS and will admit there are good days and I have some bad days, so still trying to work through the bad days. If anything through this site I just hope to get the word out about PCOS and let other women know that they are not alone in this...and even if it is small help make a difference somehow. Yet, I want to thank everyone who stops by and takes the time to read this site and other profiles and also a huge thank you to everyone who has shown support, it means more than you all know.
What is PCOS
PCOS actually affects millions of women worldwide and many without them even knowing it. It is estimated that between 6 to 20 percent of the female population( women during their reproductive years) are diagnosed with this disorder.
If left untreated or undetected PCOS can be the largest cause of diabetes, heart disease and endometrial cancer; the good news is that when diagnosed and treatment begins women can lead a happier and healthy life as well improved fertility.
PCOS despite what the name implies is in reality a hormonal imbalance and usually begins during adolescence but most women are not aware they have PCOS until late 20s or early 30s due to the fact it takes symptoms years to fully surface in most women.
Symptoms of PCOS:
*acne and skin problems
*hirsutism or excessive hair growth on face, etc.
*alopecia (hair loss)
*unexplained weight gain or fluid retention
Menstrual adnormalities
*severe menstrual pain
*amenorrhea or no menstrual period/skipped periods
*spotting
Other serious symptoms:
*reduced or infertility
*diabetes/insulin resistence
*obesity
*hypertension
*heart disease
*hyperlipidemia(high level of "bad" cholesterol"
*endometrial cancer
*ovarian cancer
*breast cancer
*this information provided by handout by Dr. Kiacz
