Dear Editor,
September is the month of awareness on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The aim of PCOS Awareness Month is to help improve the lives of those affected by PCOS and to help them to overcome their symptoms as well as prevent and reduce their risks for life-threatening related conditions. ‘Never choose indifference – choose to fight’ is the whole idea of PCOS awareness month, this year.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition which affects a woman’s endocrine system and it’s one of the most common endocrine disorders that can be found in women. It affects one in every ten young girls and women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that may affect their overall health and appearance. PCOS is also a common and treatable cause of infertility.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a collection of syndromes. That’s right, there is a collection of symptoms you will face throughout your life. The next time someone says that PCOS doesn’t matter hit them back with this message; ‘HIV is a symptom of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), it’s a collection of syndromes which left untreated lead to AIDS and as a result of not treating it decreases and eventually becomes fatal. The same way with PCOS, if left untreated it leads to a collection of other illnesses including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and ovarian cancer if cysts in the ovaries aren’t treated. It shortens your lifespan if left untreated.’ Now tell me that PCOS doesn’t matter.
Many women with PCOS suffer from imbalance of reproductive hormones. The hormonal imbalance creates problems in the ovaries. The ovaries make the egg that is released each month as part of a healthy menstrual cycle. With PCOS, the egg may not develop as it should or it may not be released during ovulation as it should be. PCOS can cause missed or irregular menstrual periods. Irregular periods can lead to: Infertility (inability to get pregnant). In fact, PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women worldwide, and development of cysts (small fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries.
The 3 main features of PCOS which are: irregular periods – which means your ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulation), excess androgen – high levels of “male” hormones in your body, which may cause physical signs such as excess facial or body hair and polycystic ovaries – your ovaries become enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs (but despite the name, you do not actually have cysts if you have PCOS). If you have at least 2 of these features, you may be diagnosed with PCOS.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. There is evidence that genetics play a role. Several other factors also play a role in causing PCOS: higher levels of male hormones called androgens, insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation. Complications of PCOS can include: infertility, gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, miscarriage or premature birth, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis — a severe liver inflammation caused by fat accumulation in the liver, metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels that significantly increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety and eating disorders, abnormal uterine bleeding and cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer)
Who can get PCOS? PCOS affects women of all races and ethnic groups. Don’t think you can’t have it because you can. Your risk of PCOS may be higher if you are obese or if you have a mother, sister, or aunt with PCOS. Those of you who are suffering for PCOS, please know you are not alone. We are not alone. We are one in every ten. Together we are stronger. Don’t give up. I know it’s hard and I thought about giving up many times but just keep working at it.
Sincerely,
Lisa Budhu
