Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS is a medical condition that is also known as polycystic ovaries, Sclerocystic Ovarian Disease, Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, Chronic Anovulatory Syndrome, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD). It is the most common female endocrine (hormonal) disorder and is characterized by multiple abnormal ovarian cysts. Most ovarian cysts are harmless, fluid-filled sacs containing immature eggs that attach to the ovaries. But multiple cysts, with a typical appearance of "a string of pearls" or "pearl necklace", are a hallmark of PCOS. An estimated 5-10% of women of childbearing age are affected by PCOS and it is one of the leading causes of infertility. Post-menopausal women can also suffer from PCOS.
PCOS can be a silent killer. Since the symptoms of PCOS can vary so widely from woman to woman, doctors very often misdiagnose the condition. This oversight became a matter of critical concern after a study conducted in 2000 found that women suffering from PCOS have a higher risk of coronary heart disease.
Symptoms of PCOS can include excessive weight gain and obesity, irregular, heavy or completely absent periods, ovarian cysts, excessive facial or body hair, Alopecia (male pattern hair loss), acne, skin tags (growths from the skin), Acanthosis Nigricans (brown skin patches) high cholesterol levels, exhaustion or lack of mental alertness, decreased sex drive and excess male hormones.
Kristal
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