(Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) - an endocrine (hormonal) disorder. Most often, symptoms first appear in adolescence, around the start of menstruation. However, some women do not develop symptoms until their early to mid-20's. It affects women of all races and nationalities. No two women have exactly the same symptoms. The following characteristics are very often associated with PCOS, but not all are seen in every woman: Hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, etc.) Hair loss (androgenic alopecia, in a classic "male baldness" pattern) Acne Polycystic ovaries Obesity Infertility or reduced fertility In addition, women with PCOS appear to be at increased risk of developing the following health problems during their lives: Insulin resistance Diabetes Lipid abnormalities Cardiovascular disease Endometrial carcinoma (cancer) Morbid obesity is a frequent underlying cause for PCOS, though not in all cases. In situations where morbid obesity and PCOS go together, significant weight reduction will often result in resolution of the PCOS as well.
A hormonal disorder that can affect a woman's menstrual cycle and fertility, insulin production, heart, blood vessels and physical appearance. Women with PCOS have high levels of male hormones called androgens. These can cause an irregular or non-existent menstrual cycle as well as small, fluid-filled sacs called cysts in their ovaries. PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women of childbearing age and is a major cause of infertility. The symptoms can vary from woman to woman and may also include hirsutism (excessive facial or body hair), Alopecia (male pattern hair loss), acne, skin tags, Acanthosis Nigricans (brown skin patches), exhaustion or lack of mental alertness and decreased sex drive. PCOS is primarily caused by Insulin Resistance.
