Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is the most common endocrine disorder in females. Five to ten percent of women at childbearing age have polycystic ovarian syndrome. However, less than fifty percent of women are diagnosed (PCOS Foundation Web). Although scientists do not know much about PCOS, they do know that it is caused by irregular hormones. Therefore, it is also believed to be genetically spread (WebMD Web). According to the PCOS Foundation, “If a mother has PCOS, there is a fifty percent chance that her daughter will have it as well,” (PCOS Foundation). Though PCOS can be detected at a young age, cysts may develop in women between ages 35 and 40 (Ovarian Cysts 227). Approximately seven million women are affected (PCOS Foundation
One can go to the general store or pharmacy to purchase vitamins and minerals to help her with fertilization, hair growth, and many other symptoms of PCOS. Nutrition education and diet modification are highly recommended by OB/GYNs to help with the risks and side-effects of PCOS. As does every other doctor, OB/GYNs also recommend exercise to help with weight and ensure that the heart is properly functioning correctly. One of the main suggestions that are usually bypassed by many women is to not smoke, and if she does then quit. Smoking is harmful and can also cause negative effects on the reproductive system as a whole (PCOS
There is no true cure and it cannot be prevented, but gaining so much knowledge about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is important for all women at the age of being able to bear a child to learn. Most importantly, she should be tested at her first OB/GYN appointment, which is a recommended age of 13. It is very important for the young female to report any and all symptoms to her gynecologist at her first visit and keep a record of any unusual symptoms and keep a “period diary” to keep track of her menstrual cycle, including the beginning, the end, and the trend of the flow, along with any symptoms such as headaches, backaches, fatigue, etc., that she may not usually experience. Though Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome affects many women, they live a normal life like any other