Have you noticed that sometimes your health and well-being as related to your reproductive system are treated as vague, mysterious, and taboo?  Growing up, my health classes in school mentioned that we should examine our breasts for lumps, but they didn’t discuss gynecological issues — and I doubt I’m alone in that.  Often, our society dances around ‘gross’ and ‘unladylike’ topics, causing many young women to be unaware of information that could be important for them to know.  For instance, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age, many of whom don’t even realize they have it.  Some may even be misdiagnosed.  It’s one of many conditions that everyone with ovaries should be more aware of in order to stay on top of their own health and to better understand others who have it.

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While Polycystic Ovary Syndrome might sound scary, it’s generally a very manageable and treatable condition, though it isn’t curable.  PCOS is caused by a hormonal imbalance, in which a woman has higher levels of androgens than normal.  Androgens, which include testosterone, are often known as ‘male’ hormones because they're present in higher levels in men, but everyone has them.  However, when women have unusually high levels of androgens, it causes problems for the ovaries.  This generally results in irregular or missed periods, and sometimes small cysts on the ovaries, although these usually aren't painful.  

Medical professionals are uncertain as to what exactly causes PCOS, but genetics likely play a role.  If someone in your family has it, you should definitely keep an eye out for symptoms!  In addition to menstrual irregularity, other common symptoms of the condition include weight gain, acne, excessive body hair, skin tags, skin discoloration, and thinning hair on the head.  Because these symptoms are often dismissed or attributed to other causes, many people don’t realize they have PCOS for a long time.  It’s also possible that high insulin levels play a role, meaning that those with insulin resistance or diabetes (usually type 2) have an increased risk of getting PCOS, and those with PCOS have an increased risk of getting diabetes.  To protect ourselves, it’s crucial to stay in tune with our bodies and look out for unusual symptoms or changes.

Luckily, PCOS tends to be quite manageable.  Doctors often prescribe birth control to regulate periods; they also often recommend weight loss and exercise to keep other symptoms in check and reduce the risk for future health problems such as diabetes and infertility.  Various cosmetic treatments can help with acne and excessive body and facial hair for women who are bothered by these symptoms, but of course this isn’t necessary.

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PCOS is caused by a hormonal imbalance, in which a woman has higher levels of androgens than normal.

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Unfortunately for some, PCOS can cause fertility problems, but like the rest of the symptoms, these can usually be dealt with.  Doctors can help develop a plan to have children for those who want to do so, and may prescribe medication to make doing so easier.

Whether you think you or a friend might have PCOS, or you’re simply wondering about your health, it’s always a good idea to get regular check-ups and to visit the gynecologist.  Find medical professionals who listen to you and make you feel comfortable.  This, combined with staying aware of what might be going on with your body, will help keep you healthy and ready to take on whatever you want!

 

Allison is a rising senior at Hamilton College who loves reading, writing, and animals.  She is majoring in Literature and minoring in Psychology, and she hopes to go into publishing upon graduation.

 

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