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Past Article of the Month Originally Published 11/04/2012
PCOS: Medical and Emotional Challenges

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome. In essence, PCOS is a result of your hormones being out of balance. This imbalance makes it harder for you to release a mature egg during your monthly cycle, and consequently, makes getting pregnant much more challenging. Instead of the eggs being released from your ovaries, they form small cysts in your ovary. You are not alone: it is estimated that 5-10% of women of childbearing age are affected. The symptoms of PCOS are many and varied. You may have some, all, or none of the following symptoms. Most likely your periods are irregular and when you do have one, the blood flow may be very heavy or very light. Because of the hormonal imbalance, PCOS can cause more male-like features to develop such as increased hair on your face, chest, belly and back, or a syndrome called male-pattern balding, which is a thinning of hair on your scalp. You may be struggling with acne and/or excessive weight gain. Although many people associate PCOS with being overweight, you can be of normal weight or even thin and still have PCOS. None of these symptoms are pleasant and may make you feel badly about your body and your sense of self. You may feel less feminine and less attractive, which may lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. Perhaps the most emotionally challenging issue that comes with a diagnosis of PCOS is infertility. Although PCOS does not mean that you cant have children, it is just more difficult. Your doctor can help you make decisions about how to proceed. Sometimes women are put on a diabetes medicine (metformin), which can help with regulating your periods, and put you on a normal ovulation timeframe. You may also need to look at more invasive interventions such as IVF. In IVF, your hormonal/reproductive system is completely taken over by your doctor. Your ovaries will be stimulated to produce mature eggs, which will then be harvested and mixed with sperm in a Petri dish. They will grow for three to five days and then, depending on your age and condition, one or two (sometimes but rarely more than two) embryos will be transferred back into your uterus to grow and develop. If you are able to get pregnant, there is a higher risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and elevated blood pressure because of PCOS. You will need to be closely monitored throughout your pregnancy to insure your health and the health of your baby. You may feel overwhelmed by the stress of your pregnancy; no doubt, you feel responsible for your babys wellbeing and development in utero. Being mindful of your doctors recommendations, eating well, exercising, and keeping your weight under control are all ways in which you can manage your physical condition as well as your emotions. Seeking out support, whether on line, in a group, or with a mental health professional can also help to alleviate your worries. While PCOS is a serious condition, which can lead to more dangerous health problems, you and your doctor(s) can work together to manage these physical and emotional issues. * Back
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