september is pcos awareness month

PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is estimated to affect as many as 5 to 7 million women of childbearing age in the United States alone. The most common symptoms include irregular periods and the development of fluid-filled cysts on a woman’s ovaries. It’s a tricky little disease, affecting fertility, weight, metabolism, skin, mood, and more. Women with PCOS face a greater risk for both Type II Diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

PCOS is one of the most common endocrine system disorders in the country and is often the most mis- or undiagnosed hormonal disorder.

PCOS is indeed a very public women’s health crisis.

Some of the biggest barrier issues to treatment is the misdiagnosis of its myriad symptoms. When many young women are finally diagnosed, they often haven’t even heard of PCOS and may not realize at first just how broad a spectrum of impact PCOS has on their health.

The more we talk about it, the greater the chances for early education and prevention. The earlier PCOS is detected, the better the chances for more comprehensive and accurate long-term care.