Cysts in the ovaries is an increasingly common problem, especially among younger women, and is strongly associated with blood sugar problems and insulin resistance. These women have a characteristic appearance to their ovaries, known as poly – meaning many – cystic ovaries. These consist of multiple small ‘cysts’ or follicles less than ½ inch in diameter that form in the ovary.
As many as one in 10 women suffer from a vast array of distressing symptoms that often accompany these cysts, known collectively as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). According to Verity, the UK charity for women whose lives are affected by PCOS, polycystic ovaries are very common, affecting around 20% of women, while the actual ‘syndrome’ affects 5–10% of women.
PCOS can cause weight gain, excessive body hair, acne, increased facial hair growth, breast pain, depression and mood swings. Yet because the symptoms are so similar to those of PMS and other hormonal disorders, the condition is often left undiagnosed until symptoms become very severe.
The most common signs and symptoms of PCOS in teens or adult women include:
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• No periods
• Irregular periods
• Heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Painful periods
• Inability to get pregnant
• Chronic fatigue
• Excess facial hair
• Head hair loss (male pattern baldness)
• Obesity
• Waist measurement greater than 35 inches, or waist bigger than hips (apple shape)
What Causes PCOS?
There is no known single cause of PCOS, although it is strongly linked with insulin resistance and is often found in women with diabetes. It is likely to be, in part, a result of changes in our diet, lifestyle and environment.
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• The link to metabolic syndrome
• The role of insulin
• How PCOS affects fertility
• Why depression can be a common symptom
• How to get a diagnosis
• How it PCOC treated
• Metformin
• Diet
• Exercise
• Associated conditions
