PCOS and Diabetes The Rise of an Epidemic!

PCOS and Diabetes... The Rise of an Epidemic!

Author: Ashley Levinson

Twitter: @pcosgurl

December 2, 2014

Many are unaware of what PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is, let alone it is one of the biggest contributing causes to Diabetes today!

PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is an endocrine disorder affecting between 10-20% of women worldwide with less than half knowing they are living with it. Many associate PCOS as a gynecological issue as many manifestations affect a woman's menstruation, ovulation and fertility.  PCOS, while it is the leading cause of infertility is however a metabolic syndrome affecting multiple systems in the body.  

What PCOS is, and what it does to women who have it, is complicated to explain as symptoms and severity of the syndrome can vary from person to person. Some of the classic symptoms are drastic weight gain, hair loss, depression, fatigue, thyroid problems, high cholesterol, panic attacks, headaches, dizzy spells, poor memory or muddled mind, sleeping disorders, constant thirst, extreme cravings, insulin resistance, cystic acne, cystic ovaries, menstrual cycles without ovulation, irregular cycles, severe mood swings, high testosterone levels, infertility problems, excess facial and body hair, not to mention a seven times greater risk than an average woman for four major health concerns affecting women in the United States today including heart disease, diabetes, endometrial cancer and stroke.

Even though #PCOS was first recognized over 75 years ago, we are no closer to understanding its cause or its treatment. There is no singular test that can conclude whether a woman or girl has the syndrome instead it is a collection of symptoms, history and diagnostic testing. As a result once a doctor concludes it is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, they manage the symptoms to prevent long-term health consequences such as infertility, diabetes and heart disease.

One of key factors of this syndrome with it's metabolic complications is often the overproduction of insulin and the imbalance of blood glucose which in turn leads to insulin resistance, pre-diabetes and ultimately Diabetes Mellitus II.  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) are both obesity-related conditions that share epidemiological and pathophysiological factors. Research has indicated between 50% and 70% of American women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome experience Insulin Resistance. This means the body has become somewhat resistant to responding to insulin.  As a result, women with the syndrome have an overproduction of androgens (Male Hormones in the Female Body) which in turn affect several body systems and result in symptoms not limited to; acne, weight –gain and obesity, excess facial and body hair, thinning and balding hairline, irregular and/or absent menses and infertility. Estimates of prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS are between 34 and 46%, using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII) criteria. It is also clear that hyperandrogenism is frequently associated with T2D in women

Additionally, in a blog from the ADA they state, "Women with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk for PCOS, further suggesting that insulin may be a key player. A possible link between PCOS and type 1 diabetes may be that the large swings in insulin levels that accompany insulin injections may place extra stress on the ovaries. Likewise for people with type 2, who tend to have high levels of insulin in the early stages of diabetes because their bodies whip it out to fight their insulin resistance."

PCOS carries a substantial risk of developing type 2 diabetes and is a risk factor for CVD. These are collectively referred to as CMD. Several studies from the USA report 7.5–10% of women with PCOS have type 2 diabetes and 31–35% with IGT. Furthermore, numbers of women with PCOS appear to be increasing.  A link has been reported between the increasing incidence of obesity, IGT and type 2 diabetes amongst adolescent girls with PCOS which means diabetes could reach epidemic proportions among young women predisposed to T2D and insulin resistance.

"PCOS affects about 7 million women in the USA. That's more than the number of people diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus combined!" - Louise Chang, MD 

Screening women with PCOS for diabetes is seldom undertaken, largely through difficulties in diagnosis due to identification and management of PCOS continuing to focus on treatment of infertility and hirsutism. There is a need for evidence-based guidelines on screening, diagnosis and interventions to reduce CMD specifically in women with PCOS.

With more than half of the women with PCOS predestined to have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes before the age of 40, finding ways to diagnose, screen and educate on the connection between these to diseases is imperative! Without the proper education and awareness of these connected disorders, the Diabetes epidemic will continue to rise.

REFERENCES:

• Diabetes Stops Here ADA Blog: http://diabetesstopshere.org/2012/09/11/pcos-the-cousin-of-diabetes/
• Medscape: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/759835

PCOS Overview with PCOSGurl

PCOS Overview

PCOS 101

• ·      Is also known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome or Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD).
•    Affects an estimated 6-10% of all women and most don't even know they have it.
• ·      Is treatable, but not curable, by medications, changes in diet and exercise.
• ·      Is one of the leading causes of infertility in Women.
• ·      Has been identified for 75 years and they still aren't sure what causes it.
• ·      PCOS is generally considered a syndrome rather than a disease (though it is sometimes called Polycystic Ovary Disease) because it manifests itself through a group of signs and symptoms that can occur in any combination, rather than having one known cause or presentation.
• ·      There is no cure for PCOS. It is a condition that is managed, rather than cured.
• ·      Affects far more than just reproduction.
• ·      At this time, there is no single definitive test for PCOS. This is because no exact cause of PCOS has been established yet. This is why there is a wide-range of opinion on how to diagnose and treat PCOS.
• ·      Treatment of the symptoms of PCOS can help reduce risks of future health problems.
• ·      PCOS is associated with increased risk for endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, insulin resistance, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
• ·      IT IS NOT just a cosmetic problem.
• ·      Although up to 15 million women in the U.S. alone have PCOS, less than half know they have it!

Can include the following symptoms:

• ·      Irregular or absent menses
• ·      Numerous cysts on the ovaries in many, but not all, cases
• ·      High blood pressure
• ·      Acne
• ·      Elevated insulin levels, Insulin Resistance, or Diabetes
• ·      Infertility
• ·      Excess hair on the face and body
• ·      Thinning of the scalp hair (alopecia)
• ·      Weight Problems or obesity that is centered around your mid section

What a Polycystic Ovary looks like:

The many cysts in a polycystic ovary are follicles that have matured but, due to abnormal hormone levels, were never released. In a normal ovary, a single egg develops and is rel released each month.

#PCOS a Systemic Breakdown

#PCOS a Systemic Breakdown

Author: Ashley Levinson

Twitter: @pcosgurl

November 21, 2014 – Mantua, New Jersey

Many are faced with a conundrum when learning and dealing with PCOS which is; What am I really dealing with?

What PCOS is, and what it does to women who have it, is complicated to explain as symptoms and severity of the syndrome can vary from person to person. Some of the classic symptoms are drastic weight gain, hair loss, depression, fatigue, thyroid problems, high cholesterol, panic attacks, headaches, dizzy spells, poor memory or muddled mind, sleeping disorders, constant thirst, extreme cravings, insulin resistance, cystic acne, cystic ovaries, menstrual cycles without ovulation, irregular cycles, severe mood swings, high testosterone levels, infertility problems, excess facial and body hair, not to mention a seven times greater risk than an average woman for four major health concerns affecting women in the United States today including heart disease, diabetes, endometrial cancer and stroke.

Even though #PCOS was first recognized over 75 years ago, we are no closer to understanding its cause or its treatment.  There is no singular test that can conclude whether a woman or girl has the syndrome instead it is a collection of symptoms, history and diagnostic testing. As a result once a doctor concludes it is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, they manage the symptoms to prevent long-term health consequences such as infertility, diabetes and heart disease.

So by now you are probably wondering if you do not already know, 

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (#PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal problem in women. It is also a metabolic disorder that affects several body systems and can cause significant long-term health consequences. PCOS is often characterized by enlarged ovaries, with multiple small painless cysts or follicles, that form in the ovary. Two other key features of PCOS are production of excess androgens (male sex hormones) and anovulation (the failure to ovulate properly), which makes PCOS the leading cause of infertility.

So How does PCOS Affect my Body?

PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome got its name because many women with PCOS have changes in their ovaries including small cysts that surround the ovary looking as if it is a pearl necklace on ultra sounds.  However PCOS is not a gynecological problem, rather an endocrine disorder that changes how your body reacts to some hormones, like insulin. The body uses insulin to turn food, especially sugar, into energy with #PCOS insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance can make it harder to process insulin. High levels of insulin cause more androgens (male hormones) to be made in a woman's body. With higher levels of androgens, which all women have, a woman can show some male signs like acne, male patterned baldness or extra hair on the face or body.

Other issues that can wreak havoc on women with PCOS are weight gain, especially around the mid-section (apple shape) and infertility as hormone changes can keep a woman from having an ovum (egg) released from her ovary every month which can cause her to skip periods (amenorreah) or have problems getting pregnant.  As insulin increases in a woman with this syndrome it can also lend itself to (acathosis nigracans) or darkened skin in the neck, armpits and skin tags.

So Why is getting diagnosed so difficult?

There are two reasons why so many women with PCOS are undiagnosed for years:

1. Some doctors may think that girls will "grow out" of irregular periods, not recognizing that it is not normal to have irregular periods

2. Other doctors, mostly gynecologists, KNOW that a woman or girl has PCOS, but fail to mention or discuss it with their patients

PCOS is diagnosed by taking a history, doing a physical exam, getting blood tests, and possibly getting an ultrasound. Of these 4 things, the most important is a history of irregular periods: if you tell a doctor your periods are irregular, chances are nearly 100% that you have PCOS.

The number one, two and three warning signs of PCOS are irregular periods, irregular periods, and irregular periods!

Also: trouble conceiving.

What treatments are available for PCOS?

PCOS is probably multifactorial, and has different causes in different women. However, in most women, the insulin levels are very high. The high insulin levels drive the ovary to produce too much testosterone. So in most women, the key is to lower the insulin levels, which in turn will lower the testosterone. The most effective ways to lower insulin are:

1. exercise, both aerobic and weight-training

2. avoid simple carbohydrates. Period.

3. take insulin-lowering medications to help make exercise and diet more effective

What is being done to learn more about treatment and diagnosis for PCOS?

Although the etiology of the syndrome is unclear, there are currently markers being researched. A forum in 2013 outlined the possible causes and effects of #PCOS and is calling for government recognition and research into these areas. 

Potential areas of further research activity include the analysis of predisposing conditions that increase the risk of PCOS, particularly genetic background and environmental factors, such as endocrine disruptors and lifestyle

PCOS Forum: Research in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Today and Tomorrow

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3742326/

In closing PCOS affects various women in various ways however it should never be left unchecked! Even if you don't want children, it is essential to treat PCOS. The high insulin and testosterone lead to high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and eventually diabetes. These are the big three conditions that lead to heart disease.

If you suspect you or someone you knows has PCOS be sure to speak with a PCOS friendly doctor and stay informed. Information is key to living a healthier life with any condition you face!

Answering The #PCOS Question??????

Answering The #PCOS Question...

Author: Ashley Levinson
Twitter: @pcosgurl


Over the years I have had the pleasure of working with some of the leading pioneers, health advocates, doctors and organizations to bring awareness and information about PCOS to the spotlight.  The following   is a compilation of insight, information and facts to answer the many questions surrounding #PCOS


Even though #PCOS was first recognized over 75 years ago, we are no closer to understanding its cause or its treatment.  There is no singular test that can conclude whether a woman or girl has the syndrome instead it is a collection of symptoms, history and diagnostic testing. As a result once a doctor concludes it is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, they manage the symptoms to prevent long-term health consequences such as infertility, diabetes and heart disease.

So by now you are probably wondering if you do not already know, 

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (#PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal problem in women. It is also a metabolic disorder that affects several body systems and can cause significant long-term health consequences. PCOS is often characterized by enlarged ovaries, with multiple small painless cysts or follicles, that form in the ovary. Two other key features of PCOS are production of excess androgens (male sex hormones) and anovulation (the failure to ovulate properly), which makes PCOS the leading cause of infertility.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

The symptoms of PCOS can be not only physically debilitating, but also emotionally and psychologically wrenching. While no two women may have the same symptoms of POCS, they are likely to include any or all of the following:

·       Infertility

·       Irregular or absent periods

·       Excess hair growth on face and body

·       Male-Pattern hair thinning

·       Acne

·       Obesity

·       Lipid Abnormalities

If a woman has two or more of these symptoms, she should go to a physician, such as a reproductive endocrinologist, for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms.

It is estimated now, that approximately ten to twenty percent of women may have PCOS, as opposed to the early statistics indicating #PCOS affecting five to ten percent of women. As the numbers continue to rise it is becoming apparent that #PCOS is reaching epidemic proportions an demands attention as a National Health Initiative.  As more women and girls become aware of the syndrome they are ofen left to ask .....

What Causes PCOS?

The susceptibility to PCOS is often inherited, however the precise cause is unknown.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

While many physicians diagnose a woman with PCOS based on symptoms confirmation of the diagnosis requires obtaining blood samples for a variety of hormones, including those produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, pituitary gland and thyroid gland. A full physical examination and screening for cholesterol, trygleceride, glucose and insulin should also be part of a complete evaluation.

Is PCOS life-threatening?

PCOS can be associated with a number of serious medical conditions. PCOS is frequently associated with decreased sensitivity to insulin (i.e., insulin resistance), which in turn may lead to an increased risk of adult on-set diabetes mellitus, stroke and cardiovascular disease. PCOS can also be associated with uterine and endometrial cancers.

Is there an overall treatment for PCOS?

Unfortunately, at the present time doctors can only treat the individual symptoms of women with PCOS, rather than the entire syndrome. Once diagnosed, in most patients it can be managed effectively to help patients lead healthier and more satisfying lifestyles. In the meantime, research continues to determine the cause and look for new and better treatments for PCOS.

Is PCOS a gynecological or an endocrinological disorder?

Since many of the symptoms involve a woman’s reproductive system, PCOS is often mistaken for a gynecological disorder. It is, however, a disorder of the endocrine system, involving hormones and hormone production. Therefore a specialist in the endocrine system, such as a reproductive endocrinologist, should be consulted to confirm diagnosis.

Are there other issues related to PCOS?

There is often a stigma attached to many of the symptoms of PCOS, particularly facial and body hair, infertility and obesity. Some women may even suffer from depression as a result of the symptoms. Women with PCOS need emotional and social support to deal with the effects of this condition on their lives Research has shown that a strong network of friends and family greatly enhances an individual’s ability to cope with the distressing effects of the syndrome.

Why is public awareness of PCOS so critical?

The symptoms of PCOS can vary significantly from one woman to the next, therefore a woman often does not realize she may have the syndrome. Public information and awareness about the symptoms and the serious nature of the disorder are crucial to identifying women in need of treatment.

For women to make informed decisions about their health management, the information upon which they base their decisions should be accurate, current, based upon well-performed research studies, and obtained from well-informed and well-trained physicians and other caregivers. This information must be easy for the general public to find and understand. There are many sources of information available on the internet please visit @pcosgurl on Twitter to be connected with more information and professionals treating PCOS and their symptoms and support initiatives such as the PCOS National Initiative petition

Sign and Share the PCOS National Initiative Petition

Source: Ashley Levinson, Founder 

Project PCOS, 2008 http://www.projectpcos.org

Lifestyle Management for PCOS

Lifestyle Management for PCOS

Lifestyle management is not just about loosing weight, it is about incorporating changes into your life to help you manage the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Physical Activity, Proper Nourishment and a Healthy Mind are the keys to living a healthier life with any life-altering syndrome, especially polycystic ovary syndrome. Size, age, or where you are in life does not matter, lifestyle management is important to minimize long-term health consequences associated with PCOS such as; heart disease, diabetes and forms of cancer as well as the psychological strains such as depression and anxiety.

Diet and Nutrition

Choosing a weight management plan that works for you is the key to your success. It is not a one size fits all approach. Whether you are trying to loose weight our just maintain your health, making the right food choices to maintain your health with PCOS is important.

Natural and Alternative Therapies

Although there is not much research, the use of alternative and natural medicine in treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome has proven to be very affective for many women living with PCOS. Here's a look at natural and alternative therapies thought to improve the condition.

Exercise and Movement

Regular exercise has incredible benefits that go way beyond weight loss. It improves the mind, body and spirit improving overall physical and mental health leading to healthier lives and minimizing serious health consequences associated with the syndrome

Lifestyle Coaching and Psychology

PCOS can make you feel like you have lost control over many aspects of your life and health. The physical symptoms and complications associated with PCOS can lead to an emotional strain. However, PCOS does not have to consume your life and mental well-being, life is about so much more. Learn how a healthy mind can help you win the battle with PCOS. 

Four Letters are Making a Huge Impact on Millions of Women Worldwide!

Author: Ashley Levinson
Twitter: @pcosgurl
(Woodbury, New Jersey November 9, 2014)

Women and their supporters are speaking out to bring awareness to #PCOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome!

In a recent petition that has been added to Change.org on behlaf of the #PCOS Community  women, girls and supporters of better healthcare for PCOS finally have a voice. While the petition has only been online for 24 hours it has already gained over 1500 signatures indicating the need for better services and information about this syndrome is paramount!
Up to 20% or 2 in 10 women and girls worldwide have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a complex hormonal disorder for which there is no cure.

While the name may be deceiving, PCOS is not a gynecological issues it is an endocrine disorder affeting many systems in the body.  If left untreated PCOS can be a precursor to many life threatening conditions including type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney problems. This means PCOS contributes to some of the leading causes of death and disability in women today.

 The PCOS Community is now aggressively campaigning for more awareness, exposure and education for PCOS( Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ). For many diagnosed with PCOS,  Awareness and education have played a key role in helping them learn to live and deal with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and ultimately live a healthier life. That is why PCOS Awareness has to happen now to ensure women and girls do not have to go through another day, month or year of silent suffering and to ensure they are educated on how to live a healthier life with this syndrome.

What PCOS is, and what it does to women who have it, is complicated to explain as symptoms and severity of the syndrome can vary from person to person. Some of the classic symptoms are drastic weight gain, hair loss, depression, fatigue, thyroid problems, high cholesterol, panic attacks, headaches, dizzy spells, poor memory or muddled mind, sleeping disorders, constant thirst, extreme cravings, insulin resistance, cystic acne, cystic ovaries, menstrual cycles without ovulation, irregular cycles, severe mood swings, high testosterone levels, infertility problems, excess facial and body hair, not to mention a seven times greater risk than an average woman for four major health concerns affecting women in the United States today including heart disease, diabetes, endometrial cancer and stroke.

Now women who have spent their lives trying to come to terms with living with and understanding PCOS are asking for change, awareness and support with The PCOS National Health Initiative which urges the government, media, organizations and health care leaders to examine PCOS as a significant health issue demnding national recognition.

The Petition and initiative may be viewed on Change.Org

Please join this campaign: https://www.change.org/p/nih-valencia-seay-nancy-nathanson-recognize-pcos-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-as-a-significant-health-concern-demanding-national-attention-and-government-support?recruiter=78907883&utm_campaign=mailto_link&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition.

Tina Braddock, a petition signer from TN validates the necessity for creating and supporting this petition, "I have suffered with this disease for over 18 years. I am almost 31 years old and will probably need a hysterectomy within the next 2 years. Had my doctors been more educated on the disease when I was a teenager, I probably would not have the health issues I suffered with today: PCOS, Endometriosis, Infertility, Sleep Apnea, Hypothyroidism, Eczema, Spastic Colon, excessive body hair and cystic acne."
Thankfully women like Tina have not only been adding thie signatures but, been expressing the reasons why more involvement from medical professionals insurance companies and the mainstream media are important.

Women like Jean Murphy of New Hampshire address some more reasons this petition is important. She states, "I run a support group for women with PCOS. I would like the House and Senate leaders to address the insurance companies so they will recognize and pay for not only treatment but complications of this syndrome. Diabetes, heart disease and cancer is costing the insurance company in unnecessary expenses if they would just pay for diagnosis and treatment of symptoms and also the costs of infertility caused by PCOS."

Because PCOS can cause so many physical and emotional complications, it is important for early detection, treatment and support. Chrisy Wise of Georgia agrees, "I started showing signs at a very young age and went undiagnosed for many years. As a young girl, it was very hard when doctor after doctor kept telling me nothing was wrong. Now, I know all the symptoms together equal pcos."

This petition is not only raising awareness and gaining support, it is giving women, their families and supporters of PCOS awareness a voice, a strong voice that will hopefully inspire and invoke change for better health, treatment and support of this syndrome.
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PCOS Life Changes... Empower yourself with choices

PCOS Life Changes... Empower yourself with choices

Author: Ashley Levinson @GoTeal4PCOS(Woodbury, NJ - March 28, 2014)

PCOS treatments and solutions are as varied as the symptoms associated with the syndrome.

For Women and Girls with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)  accepting, learning and understanding PCOS can sometimes be a daunting task.  However, armed with the proper tools and support, women and girls are able to make the right choices for their long term care.

With that being said, Where does one start? 

1. Knowledge....

Knowledge is power.. There more you know about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) the better equipped you are to make the right decisions when it comes to your healthcare.  The mere acceptance of the first solution thrown at you is not always the best path for you.

There are many resources available to learn about PCOS... Some of the ones I have found to be reliable resources are

ASRM Find a Health Professional  tool 

Users can search by area of specialization. Areas of specialization for doctors who may be familiar with PCOS include gynecology, gynecology/infertility, infertility, obstetrics and gynecology, adolescent medicine, and reproductive endocrinology and infertility

The Hormone Health Network 

The Hormone Health Network is a leading source of hormone-related health information for the public, health care providers, and the media. Use the Hormone Health Network search tool to find an endocrinologist  near you

PCOS Awareness Association PCOSAA

PCOSAA is a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive information, support, and advocacy for women and girls with PCOS. You can Connect with other women with PCOS and find and abundance of resources tailored to learning about the syndrome

PCOS Nutrition Center

Support, tools, information and resources you need to make lasting changes to your eating, health and fertility. 

2. Exploring Treatment Options....

For some, medications are a necessity and solution to overcome the symptoms and overall cause of PCOS while for others a more natural approach seems to be the key!  

Treatment goals are based on your symptoms, whether or not you want to become pregnant, and lowering your chances of getting heart disease and diabetes. Many women will need a combination of treatments to meet these goals. Some treatments for PCOS include:

Lifestyle modification. Many women with PCOS are overweight or obese, which can cause health problems. You can help manage your PCOS by eating healthy and exercising to keep your weight at a healthy level. Healthy eating tips include:

This helps to lower blood glucose (sugar) levels, improve the body's use of insulin, and normalize hormone levels in your body. Even a 10 percent loss in body weight can restore a normal period and make your cycle more regular.

• Limiting processed foods and foods with added sugars

• Adding more whole-grain products, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats to your diet

• Control menstrual cycles

• Reduce male hormone levels

• Help to clear acne

• Clomiphene (KLOHM-uh-feen) (Clomid, Serophene) — the first choice therapy to stimulate ovulation for most patients.

• Metformin taken with clomiphene — may be tried if clomiphene alone fails. The combination may help women with PCOS ovulate on lower doses of medication.

• Gonadotropins (goe-NAD-oh-troe-pins) — given as shots, but are more expensive and raise the risk of multiple births compared to clomiphene.

• Vaniqa (van-ik-uh) cream to reduce facial hair

• Laser hair removal or electrolysis to remove hair

• Hormonal treatment to keep new hair from growing

Researchers continue to search for new ways to treat PCOS. To learn more about current PCOS treatment studies, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk to your doctor about whether taking part in a clinical trial might be 

Birth control pills. For women who don't want to get pregnant, birth control pills can:

Keep in mind that the menstrual cycle will become abnormal again if the pill is stopped. Women may also think about taking a pill that only has progesterone (proh-JES-tuh-rohn), like Provera, to control the menstrual cycle and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer (See Does PCOS put women at risk for other health problems?). But, progesterone alone does not help reduce acne and hair growth.

Diabetes medications. The medicine metformin (Glucophage) is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It has also been found to help with PCOS symptoms, though it isn’t approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this use. Metformin affects the way insulin controls blood glucose (sugar) and lowers testosterone production. It slows the growth of abnormal hair and, after a few months of use, may help ovulation to return. Recent research has shown metformin to have other positive effects, such as decreased body mass and improved cholesterol levels. Metformin will not cause a person to become diabetic.

Fertility medications. Lack of ovulation is usually the reason for fertility problems in women with PCOS. Several medications that stimulate ovulation can help women with PCOS become pregnant. Even so, other reasons for infertility in both the woman and man should be ruled out before fertility medications are used. Also, some fertility medications increase the risk for multiple births (twins, triplets). Treatment options include:

Another option is in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF offers the best chance of becoming pregnant in any given cycle. It also gives doctors better control over the chance of multiple births. But, IVF is very costly.

Surgery. "Ovarian drilling" is a surgery that may increase the chance of ovulation. It’s sometimes used when a woman does not respond to fertility medicines. The doctor makes a very small cut above or below the navel (belly button) and inserts a small tool that acts like a telescope into the abdomen (stomach). This is called laparoscopy (lap-uh-RAHS-kuh-pee). The doctor then punctures the ovary with a small needle carrying an electric current to destroy a small portion of the ovary. This procedure carries a risk of developing scar tissue on the ovary. This surgery can lower male hormone levels and help with ovulation. But, these effects may only last a few months. This treatment doesn't help with loss of scalp hair or increased hair growth on other parts of the body.

Medicine for increased hair growth or extra male hormones. Medicines called anti-androgens may reduce hair growth and clear acne. Spironolactone (speer-on-oh-LAK-tone) (Aldactone), first used to treat high blood pressure, has been shown to reduce the impact of male hormones on hair growth in women. Finasteride (fin-AST-uhr-yd) (Propecia), a medicine taken by men for hair loss, has the same effect. Anti-androgens are often combined with birth control pills.  These medications should not be taken if you are trying to become pregnant.

Before taking Aldactone, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine. Women who may become pregnant should not handle Propecia.

Other options include:

Other treatments. Some research has shown that bariatric (weight loss) surgery may be effective in resolving PCOS in morbidly obese women. Morbid obesity means having a BMI of more than 40, or a BMI of 35 to 40 with an obesity-related disease. The drug troglitazone (troh-GLIT-uh-zohn) was shown to help women with PCOS. But, it was taken off the market because it caused liver problems. Similar drugs without the same side effect are being tested in small trials.

SOURCE: <a

 href="http://www.womenshealth.gov"><img 

src="http://www.womenshealth.gov/about-us/web-banner-button/badges/womenshealth-a.jpg"

 alt="Womenshealth.gov - Empowering women to live healthier 

3. Acceptance...

Many women with PCOS have difficulty accepting PCOS because the feel different, ashamed and set apart from what is considered to be the norm..  But when we think about it, what is normal???  

First, You have the ability to overcome the roller coaster of denial and depression.  As with anything else in life.. you learn, you research and you fight!!!!

Next, Accept PCOS and know you are not alone and  within you is the power to make change!!

Great resources for the right mind set with PCOS are:

Freedom from PCOS

We have become so “reactive” in our health. The very thought that we can create amazing health, and that things don’t just happen to us, is an absurd idea for most women. The hard-core truth is that what we’re thinking on the inside manifests on the outside. - Katie Humphrey

Conquer your PCOS Course

Dr. Rebecca Harwin, a leading PCOS Expert offers great information, products and resources to overcome PCOS

In closing... The path before you is never an easy one but with each step you become closer to reaching your destination..  Never give up, never accept one answer and never be ashamed of who you are, embrace all you can and want to be and go after it...

When I started this journey, I was told I would never have kids and was obese..  I felt I had nowhere to turn, no one who understood and no way of ever getting to where I wanted to be..  While I am not perfect today... I now have two children, I have lost over 120 pounds and am able to control my symptoms on my terms without medications.  You can see how it all began for me in the segment I did for Mystery Diagnosis on Discovery Health back in 2006...

PCOS on Mystery Diagnosis