POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Member Name: NikkiH

Product:	Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Date:	17/03/01 (384 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: None

Disadvantages: Infertility, weight gain, acne

In 1997, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and I had no idea what it was, or it's effect on my life and health. I was diagnosed after 2 years of trying to conceive, and because my GP had never mentioned PCOS, I did not notice the signs. My aim with this opinion is that someone will notice the signs and take action.

When you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, endocrine abnormalities lead to a number of symptoms. Endocrine is a hormone. The symptoms can include irregular periods, infertility, increased, unexplained weight gain, acne, and excessive hair growth. The ovaries also become enlarged, due to one of more cysts filled with fluid appearing on the ovaries.

I have never been a slim person, however from 1995, no matter what diet I tried, how ever much exercise I did, I never lost weight. I just presumed this was my natural shape and size.

After ceasing to take the pill, my periods were very sporadic, twice a year if I was lucky.

The biggest sign which nobody picked up on was the stomach pains I endured. At times, my abdomen would become rock hard, and the pain was excrutiating, I always had an upset stomach, and without examining me, my GP said it was probably Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I researched this, and found there were trigger foods, so I omitted wheat and yeast from my diet, but to no avail. I was still in pain, and felt bloated most of the time.

When I was referred to a fertility expert, he conducted some initial blood tests which showed an increase in the male hormones, which are known as androgens. An ultrasound scan was carried out, which showed I had 5 cysts in total, and they were preventing me from ovulating regularly.

It was explained that the cysts are in fact eggs which have matured, however due to abnormal hormone levels, they are never released. In a normal, healthy ovary, only one egg is produced and released each month. The male hormones are the primary reason for the con
dition, however recent research has shown that women with POS, are resistant to their own insulin, putting them at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

I was advised to try another low fat diet, as this helps with POS, and I succeeded in losing 3 stone, and this eased my symptoms somewhat.

This condition affects millions of women worldwide each year, in fact 6% of pre menopausal women will suffer, and 70% remain undiagnosed. This is a tragedy. It is one of the most common causes of infertility, yet it is one of the last conditions to be tested for. The reason for this is that the condition is still mystifying doctors, they have no idea what truly causes it, or how best to treat it.

Our problem is that it is still seen as a minor problem only affecting fertility, but the consequences are far reaching:

* I have mentioned Type 2 diabetes.

* Increased risk of endometrial cancer. The lining of the womb is not shed every month when you have POS, therefore the risk of endometrial cancer is higher.

* Heart disease. Higher body fat and insulin levels put you in a higher risk group.

It appears to be a somewhat genetic condition, so if you have a close relative who has POS, then demand to have a blood hormone level test, and likewise, if you are diagnosed, then encourage your female relatives. When my family talked about it, we realised that my aunt was undiagnosed, but she had certainly suffered from the condition. It is only a simple blood test that is needed, so reasonable requests should not be refused by your GP.

After fertility treatment, I did get pregnant, and since the birth of my daughter, my periods are regular, and I think this is due to the "clear out" of my womb and ovaries after giving birth. However, 2 months after the birth of my daughter, the bloated feeling returned, and my battle with weight is ongoing.

We need to demand more from our GP's, and of any of t
he symptoms here sound familiar, make an appointment on Monday, at least then you may know what is happening with your body.

Summary: