In honour of my research topic I'm going to posting one fact about PCOS each day this month #PCOSAwarenessMonth

Since I missed yesterday I'll post 2
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a disease that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age

#PCOSAwarenessMonth
It is generally diagnosed by having at least 2 out of 3 of the following:
- Irregular periods
- Excess androgens on blood tests +/- increased male pattern hair growth
- Many cysts on the ovaries on an ultrasound exam

#PCOSAwarenessMonth
PCOS is caused by a combination of genetic abnormalities that change the way a woman's body processes hormones.

25% of women with PCOS have a mother/sister/daughter who have PCOS as well

#PCOSAwarenessMonth
Normal menstruation occurs every 21 - 35 days.

In PCOS a woman may regularly go longer than 35 days without having a period and that may be a cause for concern.

The period that comes after may be heavy with clots and last > 7 days

#PCOSAwarenessMonth
Periods are generally irregular because women with PCOS often times have 'anovulatory cycles', when an egg isn't formed during the expected time of ovulation.

PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in women, however a safe pregnancy is possible.

#PCOSAwarenessMonth
Women with PCOS are at higher risk for developing:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High Cholesterol
- Heart Disease
- Mood disorders (depression/anxiety)

This makes it necessary to test for these diseases when visiting your doctor

#PCOSAwarenessMonth
There are FOUR root causes of PCOS that need to be identified and treated in order to gain control over the symptoms

- Insulin Resistance
- Hormone imbalances
- Inflammation
- Gut Imbalances

Any woman with PCOS can have one cause or a combination.

#PCOSAwarenessMonth
Insulin Resistance may present like:

- Having strong cravings for carbs/sweets
- Dark and thickened skin around neck, armpits or groin (acanthosis nigricans)
- Skin tags
- Recurrent abscesses and scarring
- Feeling more tired after meals

#PCOSAwarenessMonth
Symptoms of Inflammation associated with PCOS may be noted as:

- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Frequent rashes or unexplained allergies
- Asthma
- Frequent muscle or joint pains

#PCOSAwarenessMonth
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