I was diagnosed with PCOS two years ago, I made it my mission to learn everything I could, to understand and learn how to manage my symptoms. Although my only symptoms were acne due to elevated androgen levels and heavy menstrual cycles, I told myself I was going to learn as much as possible so I could help spread awareness. It is baffling that a condition which affects 1 out of 10 women is rarely shed light on.
In honor of PCOS awareness month, here are 10 interesting facts about PCOS:
- Women with PCOS can still have monthly menstrual cycles and still have PCOS
- Women with PCOS often suffer from anxiety or depression
- There are different types of PCOS, not all women will show the same symptoms
- PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age, yet it is rarely spoken about
- There is no cure for PCOS, but it can be managed through lifestyle, taking supplements, diet, exercise, and mindfulness techniques and changes
- PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility
- One of the earliest signs of elevated androgens in adolescents with PCOS is acne
- It is estimated that 50-70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance
- The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in women with PCOS at middle age is 6.8 times higher than that of the general female population.
- The diagnostic criteria for PCOS state that a woman has PCOS if she has at least 2 of the following 3 criteria: a. Irregular or absent periods, b. blood tests or physical signs that show high androgens, c. Polycystic ovaries
I hope this helped someone, let’s keep spreading awareness about PCOS. If you have been diagnosed with PCOS lately and would like to talk to someone, reach out to us! (info@thewe.com.ng)
