PCOS Research Paper

Words: 662
Pages: 3

One of the most common hormonal disorders that's diagnosed in women, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), can cause a variety of frustrating symptoms. Five to 10 percent of women have PCOS, though an estimated 50 percent remain un-diagnosed. Because there is no single test to diagnose PCOS and because of the wide range of symptoms it can cause, it can be years before women who suffer from the disorder get the help they need. Learn the facts about PCOS to determine if you or a loved one has the disorder before it causes complications.

What is PCOS?

The hormones in the body send signals to the brain to trigger energy production, the releasing of another hormone or growth to occur. In PCOS, the hormones become out-of-balance and cause a series of reactions. Normally women produce very small
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Oral contraceptives can be prescribed to help regulate menstrual cycles in women with PCOS and help them to have regular periods.

Anti-androgens are medications that may also be prescribed that block the male hormones, androgens, causing a decrease in many PCOS symptoms.

Medications that lower insulin levels have been found in recent studies to successfully treat PCOS.

Weight loss can help to lower insulin levels, which reduces the ovaries' production of testosterone. Though many women find losing weight difficult with PCOS, eating a low-carbohydrate diet has been found to be helpful in both treating weight gain and reducing insulin resistance.

Electrolysis or laser hair removal can help to remove the unwanted hair that PCOS causes. This can help women to feel more confident and live better with the disorder.

Conditions that Have Been Linked to PCOS

The disorder is sometimes referred to as the "Silent Killer" because it can be un-diagnosed for so long and can lead to other conditions that can be deadly, which include:

Diabetes
High cholesterol
High blood