Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), named after the cysts that may form in the ovaries, is a hormone disorder that causes irregular menstrual cycles, obesity, and infertility, among other symptoms. If untreated, it can lead to heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol levels and uterine cancer. The cause of PCOS is not fully known.
Unfortunately many doctors aren't sufficiently enlightened about PCOS to readily make a diagnosis. Women who have experienced multiple miscarriages often have PCOS; doctors sometimes finally diagnose PCOS in a woman when she undergoes fertility investigations.
Symptoms can include:
** multiple miscarriages
** infertility
** absent or irregular periods
** pelvic pain
** joint pain
** weight gain
** excessive facial and/or body hair
** adult acne
** hair loss
** depression
POSITIVE OPTIONS FOR POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS) includes information on causes, symptoms, diagnosis, getting help from a doctor, medications, and what a woman can do to help herself, including improved nutrition, complementary therapies, exercise, and lifestyle changes. A chapter on emotional support and case histories separates this concise guide from the competition.
