pcos

Many women are not aware of the fact that a seemingly minor issue with one's reproductive organs can turn out to be extremely serious. Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a very serious disorder affecting between 1 and 20 women in the United States. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a problem that can affect a woman's menstrual cycle, ability to have children, appearance and overall heart health.

While the cause of this disorder is not known, many doctors believe genetics plays a major role in the development of PCOS. The main problem with this disorder is an extreme hormonal imbalance. Women with this disorder make more Androgens, or male hormones, than normal. This can lead to problems such as severe acne, excessive hair growth and problems with one's menstruation cycle. While the disease is easily diagnosed, the symptoms can vary from woman to woman. Some of the symptoms of PCOS include: infertility, cysts in the ovaries, male pattern baldness, sleep apnea and depression.

The reason why women with PCOS have trouble with their cycles has to do with their eggs not fully maturing during ovulation. The ovaries in women have tiny fluid filled sacs called cysts. When the egg matures, the sacs break open and the egg is released. For women that have PCOS, their eggs can not get enough of a hormone to allow them to mature and they are not released. This makes the menstruation cycle irregular or nonexistent.

There is no cure for PCOS, but talking to a doctor can help prevent problems. Certain things a woman can do to ensure no problems become exacerbated, she needs to change her lifestyle choices. She can exercise and eat a proper diet. Another effective tool for a woman dealing with PCOS is to take birth control pills. These can help regulate periods and also prevent a woman from getting pregnant.