Polycistic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the name given to a syndrome in which women have an enlarged ovary containing many small cysts, plus a number of specific symptoms.
The polycystic ovary is detected on ultrasound scan but not all women with cystic ovaries have the syndrome. However all women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormone disorder in women and a leading cause of infertility. PCOS is characterized by a myriad of seemingly unrelated symptoms and may include:
- irregular or absent periods
- lack of ovulation
- weight gain
- excessive facial hair and infertility
Even more serious, women with PCOS may be at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes and endometrial cancer if PCOS is left untreated.
Many women with PCOS don’t even know they have it., less than 25 percent of women with PCOS have actually been diagnosed. Most women are never officially diagnosed until they begin struggling with infertility and seek help in getting pregnant.
It is also critical for us to evaluate your symptoms and medical history to make a diagnosis; therefore, you should be open and honest about all of your symptoms, even if you think they are unrelated. In addition, an ultrasound may be needed to look at your ovaries.
If you suspect that you may have PCOS it is important that you see your doctor. Early diagnosis can not only help women manage the side effects of PCOS but also reduce the potential long-term health risks that are seen in women with PCOS.