What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS refers to a condition which hormones (androgens/estrogen) are overproduced by the ovaries.  In this condition, ovulation occurs sporadically.  The excess and not well organized hormones can cause a lack of a menstrual cycle, excess hair growth, obesity, acne, and insulin resistance.  As a result, women with PCOS are at a high risk of developing diabetes.  As more and more research is being done on PCOS, more associations with other illnesses are being found.  The treatment is to interrupt this persistently elevated level of estrogen either with use of birth control pills.  Other medications are used to treat the symptoms of excess or abnormal hair growth and insulin resistance.  Infertility can be treated with good response most of the time.

Our own Dr. Salerno’s has also written an article about Insulin Awareness.