Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the leading causes of infertility in women, and affects between 5 percent and 10 percent of the entire female population in the United States.

 

The condition is characterized by obesity, missed or irregular periods and excess hair growth, but can affect women in many other ways as well.

 

Symptoms are often not attributed to PCOS, so getting an accurate diagnosis and being aware of all symptoms is important for women. While no cure exists for PCOS, treating individual symptoms and a combination of other treatments can lessen or eliminate the effects of PCOS and make conception possible.

 

Our articles discuss all aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome, including PCOS symptoms, PCOS treatments, fertility problems, fertility treatments, a PCOS-friendly diet and the relationship between PCOS and pregnancy. Read on to learn more about polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms vary from woman to woman, but the most common symptoms include obesity or sudden weight gain, abnormal hair growth or increased hair growth, missed or irregular periods and insulin resistance.

 

The presence of tumors and heightened hormone levels are also PCOS indicators.

 

Read on to learn about the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome and how to recognize them.

Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome will vary depending on symptoms, severity and the desires of the PCOS sufferer. Many women want to focus on overcoming infertility, while many women will want the priority to be lessening obesity or the appearance of acne.

 

The first goal of treatment is to lessen PCOS symptoms, and the second goal of treatment is generally to decrease any long-term health risks, such as heart problems and cardiovascular risks like obesity, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure.

 

Read on to learn about treatment options for polycystic ovary syndrome, including the effectiveness of treatments, what they entail and more.

As obesity and weight gain are extremely common in women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome, eating a healthy diet and making healthy lifestyle choices are very important to lowering PCOS symptoms and health risk factors.

 

Because many PCOS sufferers have trouble processing insulin, many medical professionals recommend a diet that is low in carbohydrates. Exercise is also a key element of a PCOS lifestyle.

 

Read on to learn how taking care of your body can help in the fight against polycystic ovary syndrome, and get information on a PCOS-friendly diet.

Despite the fact that polycystic ovary syndrome makes conception more difficult, it is still possible to become pregnant with PCOS.

 

However, PCOS sufferers may have more complications during pregnancy than women without PCOS. Pregnant PCOS sufferers are more at risk for miscarriage, and may also experience gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure and premature delivery.

 

Read on to learn about the complications associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and pregnancy, including steps and treatment options to help ensure a healthy pregnancy that is free of complications.

 

 

Insulite Laboratories (n.d.). PCOS and Pregnancy. Retrieved July 5, 2007, from the Insulite Laboratories Web site: http://www.pcos.insulitelabs.com/PCOS-and-Pregnancy.php.

Mayo Clinic (2007). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Retrieved July 5, 2007, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/DS00423/DSECTION=1.