So you ask what is PCOS:
Well first off PCOS stands for Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. It is most commonly referred to as a syndrome (vs. disease) since PCOS can and does effect every woman different.
PCOS is an endocrine disorder that effects 5-10% of all females. It normally effects woman from the ages of 12-45. It is thought to be one of the most leading causes of female infertility. PCOS effects all females in different ways. It can effect woman's appearance, menstrual cycles, physical look, insulin production amongst a whole other host of problems.
If you think you possibly have PCOS I highly suggest getting into the DR as soon as possible to get started to try and minimize the symptoms as much as possible.
How is it Diagnosed:
PCOS can be diagnosed several different ways and most commonly doctors use a variety of these methods or all of these methods to properly diagnose patients.
1. Trans-vaginal ultra sound/external ultra sound- Ultra sounds are used to locate cysts on the ovaries as well as determine the overall size of the ovaries (which tend to be larger in PCOS patients). With PCOS you will typically have 10-15 fluid filled sacks (cysts) on the outside of the ovaries.
2. With Blood work- There are a few different ways to help diagnose PCOS via blood work
FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone)/LH (Luteinizing hormone)- In PCOS is usually a 3:1 ratio
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)/Testosterone- These are two types of androgens, also called male hormones. These are typically elevated in PCOS patients.
Thyroid Function- This test is used to rule out thyroid irregularity for irregular menses.
Cholesterol- It is important to keep an eye on cholesterol since it is very common that patients with PCOS have high cholesterol which also leads to heart disease among a whole other host of problems.
Glucose Tolerance Test- This test is one of the most important tests that need to be done as it is very common that PCOS patients have impaired glucose levels and can not process glucose properly.
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