What You Should know About PCOS???

Between 5 and 10% of women of reproductive age have PCOS, and it is a preeminent factor of female sterility. (Clin Endocrinol, 2006)

PCOS is more to a syndrome than the disease that consists of various clinical signs.

 

It is regarded by some experts to be a sex-specific form of metabolic syndrome. (Ehrmann, D.A., 2005)

Many women with PCOS are sterile due to the absence of ovulation, and they have menstrual abnormalities. 

The outer layer of ovaries of women with PCOS is thick and hard. 

Thus, the follicles don’t break open to release the egg. Hence ovulation does not happen.    

  

Most women with PCOS are obese, and even if they are not, levels of intra-abdominal fat are commonly high. (Cascella, T. et al., 2008)

Some women with PCOS have excess body hair, acne, high blood levels of insulin, triglycerides and androgens as well as low levels of HDL cholesterol.

PCOS is sometimes hard to diagnose because the signs and symptoms of the disorder differ among women. (Azziz, R., 2004 )            

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Symptoms of PCOS tend to improve considerably with weight loss of 5-10% of original body weight. (Fertil Steril, 2008)

Symptoms generally worsen if diet, weight loss and exercise tips are not practised.

Most women with PCOS can alter eating and exercise behaviours and have children too.