A forever Family

Friday, September 18, 2009

Sometimes we get things we don't ask for but there is a reason.

Today I did some research on something I was told I had years ago and was kind of shocked when I saw what I did. The doctors years ago let me know that I had what is known as PCOS I always just thought that means I grow cysts on my ovaries and if I just took birth control it would all go away boy was I wrong. Here is what I found out.

What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (say "pah-lee-SIS-tik OH-vuh-ree SIN-drohm") is a problem in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance. It can cause problems with your periods and make it difficult to get pregnant. PCOS may also cause unwanted changes in the way you look. If it is not treated, over time it can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS) is common, affecting as many as 1 in 15 women. Often the symptoms begin in the teen years. Treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent long-term problems.

  • The body may have a problem using insulin, called insulin resistance. When the body doesn't use insulin well, blood sugar levels go up. Over time, this increases your chance of getting diabetes.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms tend to be mild at first. You may have only a few symptoms or a lot of them. The most common symptoms are:

  • Acne.
  • Weight gain and trouble losing weight.
  • Extra hair on the face and body. Often women get thicker and darker facial hair and more hair on the chest, belly, and back.
  • Thinning hair on the scalp.
  • Irregular periods. Often women with PCOS have fewer than nine periods a year. Some women have no periods. Others have very heavy bleeding.
  • Fertility problems. Many women with PCOS have trouble getting pregnant (infertility).
  • Depression.

Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. That is why it is called polycystic ovary syndrome. The cysts are not harmful, but lead to hormone imbalances.



What causes PCOS?

The symptoms of PCOS are caused by changes in hormone levels. There may be one or more causes for the hormone level changes.

PCOS seems to run in families, so your chance of having it is higher if other women in your family have PCOS, irregular periods, or diabetes. PCOS can be passed down from either your mother's or father's side.

What conditions can be associated with PCOS?

Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for a number of illnesses, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Much of this risk can be reversed by exercise and weight loss. Additionally, it is important for women with PCOS to have regular periods. If a woman does not have regular periods, her risk of cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer) is increased. Medication is generally prescribed to induce regular periods. Obesity is a complication of PCOS. Reducing the medical risks from PCOS-associated obesity requires hard work on the part of the woman with PCOS and is often frustrating. For more information about obesity and management, please read the Obesity article.

Don't you think the Doctor should have told me and my sister a little bit more about what we have. I so love Doctors. So for all of you out there that have been told you have PCOS here is a little more info for you so you know what is happening with your body.

4 comments:

Sean, Siri, Addie and Connor said...

My sister was just diagnosed with that about four months ago. My dad told her that she needed to be on a low carb diet. She is freaked out because they alsp told her she could have a hard time getting pregnant. It has been really discouraging for her. I am so sorry that you are having to face this.
I agree, some doctors keep you in the dark and they should be letting you know what you should be doing.

AshlieM said...

Sorry that sucks. At least you could have kids, I have heard a lot of women with this can't get pregnant. You should go to a new doctor that can give you more information on this and what you can do for it. Some doctors just don't take the time and it's sad.

Foust Family said...

Sorry you have that! I'm glad you did a little research, though, and found out more about it. You should find a new dr. to help you with this!

Hollie and Mike Christiansen said...

I remember all to well having cysts in Junior High and High School. The doctor looked at me and said if I can get pregnant it will be extremely hard. Well, he was way wrong as I am extremely fertile. I know I am lucky. I was never diagnosed with anything like this, but monthly the cysts came..interesting. Once I started having kids the cysts(or at least the pain they caused when ruptured) went away. This is a very interesting post, thanks. I think a lot of Doctors give up on telling anyone becuase they figure most are going to go home and google it anyway. :) Tough thing, sorry you have to deal with this.