So about a week or so ago I found out I had been diagnosed with PCOS, aka Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Turns out I had been diagnosed a few years ago in my medical records, but the doctors failed to actually TELL me (we'll leave that one for a later blog). PCOS is defined by Wikipedia.com as "an endocrine disorder that affects approximately 10% of all women .[1] It occurs amongst all races and nationalities, is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, and is a leading cause of infertility."
Sweet. Since age 17 I knew I had some sort of problems with my hormones, so I saw an endocrinologist for more help. Upon studying my symptoms and blood levels, she diagnosed me with a hormonal imbalance, not PCOS, and prescribed me birth control. Then I was on my way. Fast forward five years and I find out a local Planned Parenthood that I was formally diagnosed with PCOS somewhere along the line. Even though sometimes I wondered, I prayed I didn't have it. Well, I do and now I'm trying to figure out what to do with it.
I've been researching the causes (most unknown) and finding a LOT of explanations for all these symptoms I had been experiencing for years: irregular periods, acne, depression, and some other cool, unpleasant physical attributes. It also turns out that PCOS is the leading cause of infertility. When I first heard this it scared the ever-living crap out of me. No babies?? Even at 22-years-old my biological clock ticks and tocks until I change a diaper at the preschool that employs me. I know for sure I want children, just in a few more years....maybe more.
In women with PCOS, ovaries have follicles that mature, but don't release the egg like a normal ovary. The result is ovarian cysts and no ovulation, which prevents a woman from getting pregnant. A lot of complications that can associate with PCOS are:
-high blood pressure
-diabetes
-cardiovascular disease
-cancers
-infertility
-and many, MANY more!
I did read on to find that it is getting easier for women with PCOS to conceive. There are a lot of fertility treatments that help, and if PCOS is diagnosed at an earlier age, it can be managed naturally with a radical change in diet and exercise. By improving my lifestyle, I can manage my sugar metabolism which is related to PCOS and alleviate major symptoms which cause infertility.
So, I guess there is hope. Although I'm still a bit upset, I'm doing my best to change my diet and walk around town some more.
Also, I read that 5-10% of the female population is affected by PCOS....whether they know it or not. Scary huh? I hope this little nugget of blog information has informed some people, and maybe helped some other chicas. Read up on it, it could help someone you know!!
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