Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects 5 to 10% of premenopausal women (Polson et al., 1988). PCOS causes cyst formation on the ovaries during puberty, which causes estrogen levels to decrease and androgen levels (including testosterone) to increase. A girl with PCOS typically experiences irregular or absent menstruation; a lack of ovulation; excessive body/facial hair or hair loss; obesity; acne, oily skin, or dandruff; and/or infertility. Many women with PCOS experience fertility issues, and research is ongoing to find ways to help these women achieve successful pregnancies (Stadtmauer & Oehninger, 2005).
There are many possible long-term health concerns associated with PCOS, such as an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and increased cholesterol levels. A variety of treatment options are available, including oral contraception to regulate the period and inhibit testosterone production. Many women find that some of the symptoms associated with PCOS decrease with weight loss (Clark et al., 1995).
Because many of the symptoms, including increased body/facial hair, acne, and weight gain, affect a woman’s sense of self, many women with PCOS experience emotional side effects, including mild depression and/or self-esteem issues. In the accompanying Personal Voices, “Living With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome,” one woman talks about her struggle with PCOS.
uterine fibroids
A (usually noncancerous) tumor of muscle and connective tissue that develops within, or is attached to, the uterine wall.