Can having Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) be linked to a higher sex drive?

Can Testosterone, which is responsible for men's deep voices, muscles and Herculian strength, be cause to increased sex drive in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Author: Ashley Levinson-Sells

January 31,2014

Mantua, NJ

We have all heard that sex drive is driven by your hormones and although androgen hormones are often referred to as "male hormones", they are secreted by the adrenal glands in addition to the testes. As a result, androgens are normal hormones for both men and women

So What About Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Women with PCOS typically have hyperandrogenemia(increased male hormones) This increase of androgens in a females body can often cause symptoms such as excessive hair growth (hirsutism) acne or hair loss (alopecia).  However, the increased androgens, testosterone in particular may be cause to evaluate and research if there is a connection to a higher sex drive for women with PCOS.

So here is where it gets tricky.....

There seems to be two distinctions in women with PCOS, those who are overweight and those who are slim.

In women who are overweight, they are predisposed to testosterone dominance which can lead to the male symptoms such as acne, excess hair and chronic fatigue. In the case of these women with higher levels of testosterone, it may not be higher sex drive but increased sexual desire.

In slim women with PCOS, they have mildly increased levels of testosterone as is relative to the estrogen levels, typically do not have the same manifestations as for overweight women with PCOS. Instead, they tend to be athletic build, have chronic stress and have a higher sex drive!

In an article on WebMD By Salynn Boyles, WebMD Health News

"It's looking more and more like the male hormone testosterone may do for women what Viagra did for men. Investigators found that boosting testosterone levels was associated with increased sexual desire in women who complained of menopause-related low libido and reduced sexual arousal. Women taking a low-dose estrogen-testosterone combination treatment reported a two-fold improvement in sexual interest, compared with women treated with estrogen alone. " 

So in essence, women with PCOS bodies are naturally producing excess testosterone that increase a woman's libido, just sayin!

On the Fertility Authority Website.. it states 

http://www.fertilityauthority.com/tests-and-medications/blood-tests-infertility/androgen-testing

"Androgens are typically thought of as male hormones, but they also play an important role in women. In men, androgens support sperm production and the development of male secondary sex characteristics. Women produce androgens in their ovaries and adrenal cortex. Almost all of the androgens a woman makes are immediately converted into estrogen. Estrogen promotes the development of female secondary sex characteristics. It is also involved in thickening the endometrium and regulating the menstrual cycle. The androgens that are not converted into estrogen play a role in sex drive and slowing bone loss." 

Therefore if you are producing excess androgens as in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), you may have a higher sex drive!

While there seems to be no definitive studies with regards to PCOS and an increased libido, there are some suspicions based on the information that is surfacing about androgens and female sexuality.  My thoughts are if the role of androgens is maintaining phyisologic levels and sexual desire, wouldn't make sense that there just may be a connection between PCOS and higher sex drive?

I would love to see more research done and/or to talk to professionals on this topic, as well as hear back from community members with regards to their personal experiences!

Lab tests for PCOS

PCOS is to some extent a diagnosis which is reached after excluding other disorders. PCOS remains a syndrome (a collection of signs and symptoms) with no single clinical feature which can make the diagnosis. Your doctor will carry out tests to rule out other causes of anovulation and infertility. He will usually request a variety of hormone tests to help determine whether hormone overproduction may be due to PCOS, an adrenal or ovarian tumour, or an overgrowth in adrenal tissue (adrenal hyperplasia). Ultrasound is often used to look for cysts in the ovaries and to see if the internal structures appear normal.

Your doctor will use the combination of laboratory results and clinical findings to make a diagnosis. If the diagnosis is PCOS your doctor may then request further tests such as lipid profiles and glucose levels to monitor your risk of developing future complications such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Laboratory Tests

• FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), may be normal or low with PCOS
• LH (Lutenizing Hormone), may be elevated
• LH/FSH ratio. This ratio is normally about 1:1 in premenopausal women, but a ratio of greater than 2:1 or 3:1 may provide supporting evidence for a diagnosis of PCOS
• Prolactin may be normal or mildly elevated
• Testosterone, total and/or free, usually elevated
• DHEAS (may be measured to rule out a virilising adrenal tumour in women with rapidly advancing hirsutism), frequently mildly elevated with PCOS
• Oestrogens, may be normal or elevated
• Sex hormone binding globulin, may be reduced
• Androstenedione, may be elevated
• Anti-Müllerian Hormone is a relatively new test used by some centres and has been found to be increased 2-3 times in PCOS. At present, this test is not routinely used in the investigation of PCOS in the UK, although this could change as a result of ongoing research.
• hCG(Human chorionic gonadotropin), used to check for pregnancy, negative
• Lipid profile, (collected after a fast), (low HDL, high LDL, and cholesterol, elevated triglycerides)
• Glucose, fasting and/or a glucose tolerance test, may be elevated
• HbA1c another measure of diabetes which is carried out in some centres in preference to glucose.
• Insulin, (collected after a fast), often elevated
• TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone) some who have PCOS are also hypothyroid
• Cortisol to rule out Cushing's syndrome
• 17-hydroxyprogesterone to exlude adrenal hyperplasia
• Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) to exlude acromegaly

Non-Laboratory Tests
Ultrasound, transvaginal and/or pelvic/abdominal are used to evaluate enlarged ovaries.  With PCOS, the ovaries may be 1.5 to 3 times larger than normal and characteristically have more than 8 follicles per ovary, with each follicle less than 10 mm in diameter.  Often the cysts are lined up on the surface the ovaries, forming the appearance of a "pearl necklace."  These ultrasound findings are not diagnostic.  They are present in more than 90% of women with PCOS, but they are also found in up to 25% of women without PCOS.

Laparoscopy may be used to evaluate ovaries, evaluate the endometrial lining of the uterus, and sometimes used as part of surgical treatment.

SOURCE: http://www.labtestsonline.org.uk/understanding/conditions/pcos/start/2

PCOS Overview with Houston Fertility

POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorders of women of reproductive age. Affecting approximately 6-10% of all premenopausal women and approximately 70-90% of women with irregular menstrual cycles, the classic symptoms of this disorder consist of irregular periods, infertility, and excessive body and facial hair. As a consequence of the overproduction of androgens (male hormones) by the ovaries, additional symptoms of acne, obesity, and male-pattern hair loss are seen together with symptoms of anovulation like heavy menstrual flow and erratic, unpredictable onset of menses. Some patients may demonstrate very mild or no symptoms of this disorder, complaining only of irregular cycles. Other patients may demonstrate all of the classic symptoms mentioned above.

Definition of PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is derived from the morphologic (appearance) alterations that occur in the ovary. Failure to ovulate (to rupture and release ovulatory eggs) on a monthly basis yields ovaries that are literally, "covered with ovarian cysts." This failure to ovulate healthy eggs results in infertility and a higher rate of miscarriage after a positive pregnancy test.

Despite our understanding of this most intriguing endocrine disorder of women, scientists have been searching for an association among the many facets of PCOS. Unfortunately, the pathophysiology of the various disorders remains unknown. In the past, it was common for a woman with infertility to have this diagnosis made during an infertility evaluation. Today, if the consequences of this disorder are left unattended, these patients, infertile or not, will develop severe clinical problems.
A reduction in a woman's life expectancy occurs with no treatment of this disorder as a consequence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus.

Recent PCOS Research

Recent research has found growing concern that PCOS is also associated with hyperinsulinemia (excess production of insulin by the pancreas), insulin resistance, dyslipidemia (abnormality of metabolism of fats), and hypertension. Risks of developing type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent) and possibly, premature cardiovascular disease is higher in these patients with insulin resistance. Other consequences of anovulation include carcinoma of the endometrium and possibly carcinoma of the breast. These facts have lead to a new attitude towards this common female problem highlighting its legitimate place in today's "modern preventive health care of women."

PCOS and Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance, characterized by a decrease in the ability of insulin to stimulate glucose uptake to muscle and fat cells, as well as to inhibit glucose production by the liver is a common feature of women with PCOS. Up to 40% of women with PCOS demonstrate some degree of impaired glucose tolerance as a result of insulin resistance. A sign of severe insulin resistance exists known as acanthosis nigricans, a condition in which dark velvety patches appear on the skin.

These areas are usually seen around the back part of the neck ("ring around the collar") and in other areas of the body where the skin folds on itself forming creases. It appears likely that an inherent, probably genetically determined ovarian defect is present in women with PCOS, which makes the ovary susceptible to insulin stimulation of androgen (male-like hormone) production. The insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are primary events in PCOS that somehow lead to hyperandrogenism and the subsequent reproductive endocrine abnormalities.

It goes without saying that the clinician must recognize the clinical impact of PCOS and undertake therapeutic management of all anovulatory patients to avoid these unwanted consequences. Use of birth control pills, insulin sensitizing drugs, changes in life style patterns, gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists, advanced diagnostic techniques and assisted reproductive technologies are currently increasing our understanding of this disorder. Our hope is to initiate preventative measures early in young women's lives (teenage years) that yield increased longevity with healthier and more reproductive outcomes.

PCOS- Diagnosis

Diagnosis of PCOS usually follows a high sense of suspicion in women with irregular cycles who demonstrate mild forms of hyperandrogenism and are having difficulty getting pregnant. To confirm the diagnosis, blood testing of "the brain to ovary and ovary to brain signals" are assessed on cycle days 3, 4 or 5. Measurement of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), and testosterone give a characteristic pattern for the diagnosis of PCOS on most occasions. The level of LH is normally equal to FSH in women without PCOS. With this disorder, LH is often higher than FSH, up to 2-3 times, as well as high testosterone levels (> 50 ng/dl) revealing high ovarian production. Checking serum progesterone levels on cycle days 21-23 to confirm ovulatory function are unusually low (< 4 ng/dl), indicating ovulatory problems. Your clinician might also recommend an ultrasound evaluation of the ovaries.

Insulin resistance can be determined by obtaining a blood sample after a 12 hour fast for insulin and glucose. A glucose/insulin ratio of < 4.5 will be used to define insulin resistance. Other tests that might be used to help establish the diagnosis include a C-peptide and a glycosolated hemoglobin (HbA1C).

All right, now that I have your attention, how does PCOS affect a woman's fertility? By affecting ovulation. These women do produce estrogen from the ovaries in addition to testosterone, but the levels of estrogen are lower than expected at the time of ovulation. Because of the high level of LH and testosterone, follicular suppression is caused within the ovary yielding poor or no ovulation with subsequent loss of progesterone. Without a properly developed, healthy, fertilizable egg and without estrogen and progesterone to secure a well-developed endometrial bed for the ensuing pregnancy, infertility results. In some women, an attempt to ovulate a poorly developed egg late in the cycle yields a miscarriage from "a blighted ovum."

And how does insulin resistance play a role in infertility? Again, by affecting ovulation. Researchers now have found that high levels of insulin can stimulate the activity of enzymes that are pivotal to the manufacture of androgens in the ovary. They have also discovered alterations or defects of these same enzymes that make them susceptible to over stimulation by insulin. Consequently, high levels of insulin or over stimulation of androgen receptors by insulin leads to follicular atresia (suppression) of early developing eggs long before ovulation.

Therapeutic options of PCOS depend on the severity of symptoms and the woman's goal. Does the patient desire elimination of excess hair and/or acne? Does she desire regular periods with normal bleeding? Does she desire pregnancy? Is she at high risk of the metabolic abnormalities associated with this disorder?

PCOS Treatment

Many treatment plans exist for PCOS. Among the most common are 1) weight loss, 2) hormonal manipulations, 3) surgical treatments, 4) steroid supplementation, 5) spironolactone, and more recently, 6) insulin sensitizing medications. Your particular treatment plan will depend on your goals.

Today, we are truly entering a new era in our understanding and management of women with polycystic ovaries and hyperandrogenism. We now have a real opportunity "to make a difference in others lives" by affecting the quality and quantity of life to be experienced by these patients. Let us not only correct specific clinical consequences of anovulation but, let us also reduce major adverse effects on overall health.


SOURCE:http://www.houstonfertilityspecialist.com/pcos.html

GET YOUR PCOS AWARENESS PRESS KIT TODAY!!!!

PRESS RELEASE: PCOS AWARENESS PRESS KITS ARE NOW AVAILABLE

MANTUA, NJ

JANUARY 30, 2014

In 2000, I was diagnosed with a syndrome not many individuals, let alone doctors were aware of or well equipped to treat. While there have been strides in recognition, it still remains a conundrum for many...

 

Up to 10% of women and girls worldwide have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a complex hormonal disorder for which there is no cure. 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.

 

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..

 

Women like Jean Murphy of New Hampshire address some of the many reasons why awareness 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. 

Cassy Juranek

"I have had PCOS since who knows how long. Probably most of my 30 yrs of life, as I have never had regular periods. I do suffer from acne but at least the cystic acne has disappeared due to inositol but i still have the regular pimples that teenagers get. I have black hairs on my chin and nipples but luckily not nearly as bad as I have seen on other poor ladies. Thought I had anxiety, depression, and even borderline personality disorder but now see how my hormones are the culprit. I have been pregnant once but miscarried. I have been unsuccessful at conceiving for years"

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.”

Also supporters like Elise who are advocating for herself and her sister...

"I'm contacting you about my sister she and I both have pcos. However she has suffered the most facial hair, hormones you name it as a result she was tormented and bullied beyond belief through high school and some college. She suffers severely from depression has a history of cutting. I have wanted to write to a Dr. Oz or someone she did post a video on YouTube her name is Adreeya Anderson. I suffer with the absence of a menstrual cycle facial hair and the weight gain. But I would love the opportunity to tell her and my story."

 

Teenagers such as Mekayla Seidl

"I'm 16 years old going on 17 and i have been diagnosed with PCOS since i was 14...i have tried many different medications as im sick all the time and no medications really help. It seems to me that the only time i can lose weight is when I'm constantly having diarrhea. My sister is 20 going to be 21 and was diagnosed with it when she was 16 i believe and she has been having a tough time losing weight. We both are constantly depressed from it. We don't know who all has had it in our family and my grandma has passed away from ovarian cancer in 2009 and my mom is having trouble with her ovaries. I would be more than willing to share my story...this is a huge thing as i get made fun of for it and my.little sister thinks it's a joke"

My personal story was aired starting in 2006  on Discovery Health Channel's Mystery Diagnosis and can be viewed on youtube...

 

This is part 1 of 3

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYsunsgZxNk

I have also been featured in Glamour Magazine numerous times including as a 2008 top ten finalist for Woman of the year for PCOS Advocacy, Woman's World, FOX News, The 10! Show, Glouceser COunty Times, Pocono Record and many other newspapers, blogs, radio and media campaigns to raise awareness for this mystery syndrome. 

 

You can view my other stories and initiatives by visiting:

Twitter: @jerzgurlie

I also work with some of the leading PCOS Researchers, OBGYNS and endocrinologists around the globe who would be willing to share their expertise with regards to this medical condition!

There are still many unanswered questions.   While there are many medical and physical implications with this syndrome the psychological stigmas such as being overweight, excess body hair, acne and infertility leave the most long lasting impressions on many women living with this condition today.. With more awareness and teaming with media outlets like yours, we can change perceptions of who these women are not simply lazy, who do not take care of themselves but, women who are battling the complications associated with this syndrome every day.

 

It is imperative this story be told and shows like yours help in bringing awareness to what still remains today as a mystery syndrome for millions of women..

 

I look forward to your response and am hopeful you will find this is something well worth bringing into the mainstream..

 

REQUEST YOUR PRESS KIT TODAY: 

Ashley Levinson

Email: ashley.sells70@yahoo.com

Life with PCOS an intimate interview with Community Member Carmen Vigil @cmv_asl

INTERVIEW WITH PCOS COMMUNITY MEMBER CARMEN VIGIL
JANUARY 30, 2014

Interviewer: Ashley Levinson-Sells, PCOS Awareness Advocate


This evening I had the pleasure of chatting with fellow community member Carmen Vigil @cmv_asl on twitter about life with PCOS.  Carmen is 30 years old and lives in the SF Bay area. She is a special ed para educator & independent contracted tutor.  She is an educated Latina whose motto is "Live, Love, Laugh"

Like so many others Carmen has gone through a sort of epiphany about what PCOS is and how it affects you physically and emotionally.  She reminds us that PCOS is a battle that is fought for your entire life but, armed with the right knowledge and support, it can be managed!

In opening Carmen grabbed my attention with a phrase that reminded me of why I advocate for PCOS "I'm in the fight too, I was diagnosed 6 years ago"

and so the interview begins.........

ASHLEY: What lead to your dx??

CARMEN: I went to the ob/gyn & he took one look at me & the list of symptoms & I had all of em.

ASHLEY: Had you ever heard of PCOS prior to that?

CARMEN: I had no damn clue what it was. When I got diagnosed I was handed a business card with a bunch of letters to "google for myself"

ASHLEY: Wow no pamphlet, nothing just 4 letters

CARMEN: Exactly.

ASHLEY: So with 4 letters in your hand your journey began...so what did you do first?

CARMEN: I was in shock. I cried. I didn't know what to exactly do. I went to the cdc online. I went to webmd. I literally googled "pcos" and clicked on every link I could.

ASHLEY: How did your friends and family react?

CARMEN: My parents were pretty awesome. There are people that don't understand. I don't share with those people.

ASHLEY: Why do you think its so hard for people to understand???

CARMEN: I think it's hard to understand because people take everything for granted. At least that's how I felt. It's emotional and psychological. You think you have something forever and time. That's where it gets weird. You have time but do you have time to do the massive lifestyle change/ foods/exercise???

ASHLEY: Did you find information useful or overwhelming at first?

CARMEN: Information was overwhelming. I wasn't sleeping and I was stressed. I cried a lot. I thought I was broken. No one would want me

ASHLEY: So what's the hardest thing for you to deal with?

CARMEN: The hardest thing for me to deal with physically is the cramps and pain once a month. I kill for days.

ASHLEY: And what do you think docs need to do to help us get better treatment?

CARMEN: I went through 3 drs before I was sent to a specialist... She was supposedly a PCOS specialist and an ob/gyn. There needs to be more information for doctors also.

ASHLEY: Now that you know you're not alone does it make it easier?

CARMEN: Finding friends/groups that you can relate to helps.

ASHLEY: What would you like to say to people about life with pcos?

CARMEN: Find remedies that work for you. I am more vitamins & exercise. Find people to talk to. Find people that love you for your imperfections

ASHLEY: Ok so one last question...What changes would you like to see occur to make PCOS more widely known and accepted?

CARMEN: More events. More social stuff,5ks & ribbon awareness!


I would like to thank Carmen for taking the time to share her story and answer tough questions so openly. It's because of women like Carmen we gain understanding, knowledge and compassion for a syndrome that is still undiagnosed and misdiagnosed on a daily basis.  As more of our community members let their voices be heard, we will reach beyond the walls of the PCOS Community and ensure Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) becomes a household name!

You can support Carmen on twitter by following her @cmv_asi

For more facts about PCOS and to share your story please visit Ashley PCOS Gurl @jerzgurlie

PCOS FACT SHEET

PCOS Fact Sheet

· PCOS is an Endocrine Disorder

Not all women with PCOS have cysts on their ovaries PCOS is an Endocrine Disorder

Not all women with PCOS have cysts on their ovaries

There is no cure for PCOS, although it is treatable

70-90% of androgen excess is caused by PCOS

It is the most common endocrine disturbance in women of reproductive age

Patients who have PCOS are at higher risk for having insulin resistance, and for developing type II diabetes mellitus and possible cardiovascular disease.

 4 in 10 cases of diabetes in pre-menopausal women can be linked to PCOS

PCOS is also know as Stein Leventhal Syndrome, PCOD (polycystic ovary disease, Syndrome O and Syndrome X

PCOS is the leading cause of infertility

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

Up to 10% of women of reproductive age have PCOS

Once diagnosed, in most patients PCOS can be managed effectively

New evidence suggests that using medications that lower insulin levels in the blood may be effective in restoring menstruation and reducing some of the health risks associated with PCOS

Many PCOS symptoms are the result of high levels of androgens

About one-third of women with PCOS who are overweight have insulin resistance

THE SECRET LIVES OF WOMEN WITH PCOS

THE SECRET LIVES OF WOMEN WITH PCOS

AUTHOR: Ashley Levinson-Sells (Tabeling)

Twitter: @jerzgurlie

January 30,2014

For years thousands of women have incorporated unusual daily rituals and affirmations to manage symptoms that seemed to be unrelated. Some of these rituals might include plucking, shaving, treatments to reduce hair loss, acne creams, diets to fight unexplained weight gain, skin bleaches, and repeated trips to doctors who tell them their irregular menstrual cycles and problems are all in their heads.

For Kimberly Sacs, an earlier diagnosis of PCOS could have eliminated years of misdiagnoses and pain. "My PCOS story began at an early age. I was always the first child in my class to develop-- I was considered "overweight" from the age of 8 on. I was told that I was lazy by doctors, offered forms of speed to increase my metabolism and even told that if I didn't loose weight that a doctor might, one day, have to stick a needle in my heart if I had a heart attack."

Eight years later, Kimberly finally received a diagnosis, "At the age of 16 I had a stretch of 6 months without a period. A family doctor gave me a five-day dose of hormones to "jump-start" my period. That worked once, but when it didn't work again and I requested another doctor. A caring and intelligent young intern noticed the correlation of many of my medical conditions--the weight, the depression, and the break in my cycles. She diagnosed me with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)."

Although PCOS Polycystic Ovary syndrome affects up to 10% of women and girls of reproductive age, it is estimated that less than half know they have it! To put this in to perspective, 6% of both men and women have diabetes, which is well known and supported. PCOS, a precursor to diabetes again affects up to 10% of women alone and many medical professional are stil not up to date with diagnosis, treatment and management of PCOS!

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.

Many women have experienced the same lack of response as Kimberly did, and are left w with little understanding of PCOS and the best way to treat it. This may be due to the fact that there is n centralized resources for teaching and learning about PCOS!

Deborah Cardoza didn't give her symptoms much thought until she wanted to start a family " I came across a short article in a magazine, I believe, that talked about PCOS and those symptoms fit me! I went to my internist who ran some tests. While the tests didn't support a PCOS diagnosis. I was thin, young, and didn't know much so the only thing I did about my symptoms was to go for laser hair removal, which didn't wind up working and left me to start shaving my face every morning.

Over the next few years I did not give my symptoms much thought until my husband and I decided to start a family. Suspecting I may have problems, we went straight to a reproductive endocrinologist. Pre-IVF testing this time showed I did have PCOS. The doctor put me on an insulin sensitizer to help me lose weight before any cycles to conceive. I wasn't on it for long when my husband and I decided to build our family another way. My weight wasn't a big issue at the time, and I still didn't know all I do now about PCOS."

Prior to a few years ago, PCOS had been largely misunderstood and rarely diagnosed. The information to make a proper diagnosis just wasn't there. Your concerns, in many cases, would have been dismissed. Now the medical community is realizing it is more than menstrual irregularities, it's a lifelong condition that can take years off of your life.

Sarah Yochved- Goldstein like many others who have dealt with PCOS from an early age feels awareness and information about the syndrome are important, "I hope and pray daily that doctors will get more aggressive with treatment, ladies will educate themselves better, and insurance companies will give preventative treatment instead of waiting until a woman needs drastic measures to regain her life! It is my blessings that whoever helps in this, and any woman that educates herself and aggressively takes part in her care will experience some success, whether the return of her health and vitality, or the eventual birth of a child."

The good news is that there is now more information than ever about this syndrome -medical professionals are being trained to recognize the symptoms and know the best way to confirm a diagnosis is sending women to endocrinologists for testing.

"Remember information is the key!," say Ashley Tabeling, Founder of Project PCOS projectpcos.org , a new website a central resource for information, education and awareness for PCOS. She continues, " The more you know about PCOS or any condition, the better you will be at communicating with your medical professionals and understanding what steps you need to take to live a happier and healthier life."

Why is PCOS A Mystery?

Why is PCOS a Mystery?

AUTHOR: Ashley Levinson
Twitter: @jerzgurlie
January 30. 2014

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.

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 PCOS, 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 and Lipid Abnormalities

While these symptoms easily help identify a problem, the cause of PCOS is not yet fully understood. It is thought that there are several causes, which could explain why different women have such varying symptoms to varying degrees of severity. This could also explain why less than have of those estimated to have PCOS, actually know they have it and have delays in getting a diagnosis.

Many physicians often misdiagnose PCOS based on the fact that they look at the symptoms individually, rather than as a complete picture. Furthermore, 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

Finding the proper PCOS 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, triglyceride, glucose and insulin should also be part of a complete evaluation.

The mystery has to be solved, due to the fact that PCOS can be associated with a number of serious medical conditions, 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 and cardiovascular disease. PCOS can also be associated with uterine and endometrial cancer. If left untreated, PCOS can lead to serious medical complications such as endometrial cancer and hysterectomy of the ovaries and uterus. PCOS affects the glucose levels of the body causing Insulin Resistance, a serious pre-diabetic condition. PCOS increases a woman's risk of heart attack and stroke because it increases cholesterol and blood pressure. PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women. If causes Endometriosis, cysts, and early Ovarian failure

The other difficulty in solving the PCOS mystery is there is often a stigma attached to many of the symptoms of PCOS, which may inhibit a woman from discussing various symptoms with her doctor such as facial and body hair, infertility and obesity. Some women may even suffer from depression as a result of dealing with these symptoms. Therefore, Public information and awareness about the symptoms and the serious nature of the disorder are crucial to identifying women in need of treatment.

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.

An overview of PCOS Interview with Dr. Katherine Sherif

An overview of PCOS Interview with Dr. Katherine Sherif

An overview of PCOS
Interview with Dr. Katherine Sherif
January 28, 2007

Interviewer: Ashley Tabeling (Levinson-Sells), PCOS Awareness Advocate


Katherine D. Sherif, M.D., at the time of this interview was Director of the Drexel Center for Women's Health and Associate Professor of Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine and Co-Director of The PCOS Center. Dr. Sherif's areas of expertise include hypertension, menopause, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome and heart disease prevention. Dr. Sherif has a special interest in international women's health issues. She was awarded a Fellowship in Medicine and Human Rights from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. She also received an award for Humanism in Medicine.Dr. Sherif was named one of Philadelphia's "Top Docs" by Philadelphia Magazine. She lectures and writes about women's health issues. 

Ashley: Dr. Sherif Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions

Ashley : Why do so many women with PCOS go undiagnosed?

Dr. Sherif:
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

Ashley: What are some of the warning signs of PCOS?

Dr. Sherif:
The number one, two and three warning signs of PCOS are irregular periods, irregular periods, and irregular periods! Also: trouble conceiving.

Ashley: How is PCOS diagnosed?

Dr. Sherif:
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 me your periods are irregular, chances are nearly 100% that you have PCOS.

Ashley: What treatments are available for PCOS?

Dr. Sherif:
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


Ashley: Can adding supplements help with PCOS symptoms?

Dr. Sherif:
Some supplements have insulin-lowering effects, but no one knows how much they contribute to lowering the insulin. They include a very important carotene called alpha-lipoic acid, calcium, magnesium, chromium (any form, not necessarily chromium picolinate) and omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil).

Ashley: Why is management of PCOS so important?

Dr. Sherif:
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

For more on PCOS follow me on twitter: @jerzgurlie