Friday, August 15, 2008

Choose to be aware to avoid troubles...

Having an irregular menstruation?

I suggest that you go and see a doctor before further predicament occurs. Irregular menstruation is one of the symptoms of having a Polycstic Ovaries. And it's only now that my friend feels so regretful that she didn't go for a check up before the condition brought her thorny issues: risk of type 2 diabetes and the long- waiting period for pregnancy to happen.


Below are other symptoms of Polycystic Ovaries which I have gathered:


1. Irregular or no menstruation. This is the most common characteristic. Irregular menstruation means having menstrual cycles that occur at intervals longer than 35 days or fewer than eight times a year. The condition may begin in adolescence with the onset of menstruation, or it may appear later after a weight gain.

2. Signs of excess androgen. Elevated levels of male hormones may result in physical signs, such as long, coarse hair on your face, chest, lower abdomen, back, upper arms or upper legs (hirsutism); acne; and male-pattern baldness (alopecia). However, not all women who have polycystic ovary syndrome have physical signs of androgen excess.

3. Enlarged ovaries with multiple cysts. Your doctor may detect ovarian cysts by ultrasound. However, you may have ovaries with multiple cysts but still not have polycystic ovary syndrome. And you may have PCOS but have ovaries that appear normal.
Infertility. Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of female infertility in the United States.

4. Obesity. It's estimated that about half of women with polycystic ovary syndrome are obese.
Skin tags. These small, excess growths of skin that are usually found on your neck or in your armpit are common in women with PCOS.

5. Prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. The ability to use insulin effectively is impaired in PCOS and can result in high blood sugar levels and diabetes. Prediabetes is also called impaired glucose tolerance.

6. Acanthosis nigricans. This is the medical term for darkened, velvety skin on the nape of your neck, armpits, inner thighs, vulva or under your breasts.


** Additionally, the following are more likely to occur in women with PCOS:
High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol
Elevated levels of C-reactive protein, which may be associated with cardiovascular problems
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a liver disease
Sleep apnea

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