Post by katetastrophe on Sept 7, 2011 13:26:58 GMT -5
September is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness month. PCOS isn't just about fertility. In fact, it's SO MUCH MORE than that.
I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2006. Every day is a constant battle against my frequently shifting hormones, extreme hunger and carb cravings, exhaustion, and my propensity to gain weight. My hope is that with persistence and continued work towards a cure or more effective treatments, this disease will not result in something that ultimately kills me.
- PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder
- It affects 1 in 10 women
- 80 percent of women with 6 or fewer periods a year have PCOS
- Left untreated, PCOS can lead to endometrial and uterine cancer, diabetes, and heart disease
- PCOS symptoms can include: male-pattern hair loss, hirustism (excess facial and body hair), irregular periods, dark patches on the skin that look like dirt or bruises, exhaustion, frequent urination, skin tags, difficulty conceiving, recurrent miscarriages, weight gain, and acne.
- it is not necessary to have ovarian cysts to be diagnosed with PCOS
- the average woman will see FIVE doctors before finally getting diagnosed with PCOS
- birth control pills only manage the symptoms of PCOS - they are NOT a treatment! The most effective treatments are diabetes medication (even if the patient doesn't have diabetes), diet, and exercise
- there is no cure for PCOS
I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2006. Every day is a constant battle against my frequently shifting hormones, extreme hunger and carb cravings, exhaustion, and my propensity to gain weight. My hope is that with persistence and continued work towards a cure or more effective treatments, this disease will not result in something that ultimately kills me.
