Today is the start of national PCOS awareness month. PCOS, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is extremely common and affects up to 10% of all women. In spite of this prevalence, patients and their physicians may not recognize the condition. It commonly manifests as missed or irregular periods without consistent ovulation, and often patients will observe severe pimples or prickly hair in unwanted locations. Other conditions can mimic these symptoms so it is important that appropriate testing consisting of bloodwork and a pelvic ultrasound is done so that the correct diagnosis is made. It is not widely appreciated that PCOS can affect patients regardless of their weight and ethnic background, that it is present all through the life of the woman, and that despite the word “cyst” in the name, the “cysts’ in PCOS are actually quite small (each less than 1 centimeter) and simply represent eggs that have stopped developing and would not be expected to cause pain or problems. Although there is no cure for PCOS, treatments are available that address many of the symptoms including difficulties conceiving. Upcoming posts will detail some additional health issues PCOS patients face, and management strategies for fertility and non-fertility health improvement. Dr. Mira Aubuchon Note: Dr. Aubuchon, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, specializes in the care and management of PCOS. If you exhibit several PCOS symptoms and would like to discuss them further and/or be evaluated further regarding your risk for PCOS, please contact Jen and schedule an initial consultation, today.]]>