Some women often don’t learn about potential health issues until after they are diagnosed with them.

One of the diseases that usually flies under the radar is polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).

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Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance that interferes with normal reproductive processes.

It usually starts at puberty and is associated with irregular periods and other hormone-related symptoms.

Between one in 20 women of childbearing age have PCOS.

The cause of PCOS is unknown but research is underway to uncover its origin.

There is evidence that shows a link between certain forms of PCOS & family history, suggesting a genetic basis for the condition.

Women with PCOS are more likely to have a mother or a sister with PCOS.

Absent menstrual periods is the most tell-tale sign of PCOS, along with weight gain in the upper body and abdominal area.

Hirsutism, which is increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs or toes, also can be a leading symptom of the disease.

Most cases of PCOS can be diagnosed with a thorough evaluation of your medical history and symptoms, as well as a physical exam.

A blood test may be required to measure the levels of various hormones.

Your doctor will ask about your menstrual periods, weight changes, and other symptoms.

He'll want to measure your blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and waist size.

Because there is no cure, PCOS needs to be managed to prevent problems.

Treatment goals are based on your symptoms and whether or not you want to become pregnant, and focus on lowering your risk of getting heart disease and diabetes.

Your doctor will guide you.

While there are no known strategies for preventing PCOS, proper nutrition and weight management enable many women with the disorder to avoid developing diabetes and heart problems.

Even a 10% loss in body weight can restore a normal period & make your cycle more regular.

PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility because of the body’s failure to ovulate.

The ovaries, where a woman’s eggs are produced, have tiny fluid-filled sacs called follicles or cysts.

As the egg grows, the follicle breaks open, the egg is released, and the egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus (womb) for fertilization.

In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn’t make all the hormones it needs for an egg to fully mature.

The follicles may start to grow and build up fluid, but ovulation does not occur.

Instead, some follicles may remain as cysts. For these reasons, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made.

But a diagnosis of PCOS doesn’t mean that you will never be able to conceive a child.

Oral and injected fertility drugs, with lifestyle modifications are often effective in women with this disorder.

Women with PCOS have greater chances of developing several serious health conditions, including life-threatening diseases.

More than 50% of women with PCOS will have diabetes before the age of 40.

The risk of heart attack is 4 to 7 times higher in women with PCOS than women of the same age without PCOS.

Women with PCOS are at greater risk of having high blood pressure.

Women with PCOS have high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and low levels of HDL (good cholesterol).

It’s important to discuss your health concerns with your gynecologist.

Your physician can also help you address them to ensure that PCOS is managed effectively.

Stay safe Queens

Meanwhile, here's a short slideshow on the causes of irregular periods and how you can manage them.

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