Feminine Health Is Important

The health of women is more important now than ever before. Laws in this country are hindering women from seeking the medical care they need. Women must learn about their bodies and ask professionals questions whenever necessary. On Saturday, May 25, 2024 CHG will host the SPOT PERIOD Menstrual Hub and Mobile Clinic to address female health issues and period poverty. There are so many women that 'suffer in silence', with so many disorders like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). If you or someone you love experiences prolonged menstrual periods of 35 days or longer, and/or fewer than eight menstrual cycles per year, this information might be for you.

For most women, each month several follicles begin to grow on the ovaries, resulting in one of them producing the ovule (egg) that is expelled from the ovary during ovulation. However women with PCOS will experience follicle growth, but they will not contain ovules, and ovulation will not occur.

The most common symptoms of PCOS are prolonged periods, growth of facial and body hair, male-patterned baldness, facial and body acne and obesity.

PCOS causes are largely unknown, however physicians and researchers suggest that high blood insulin levels in the bloodstream are the culprit. Insulin is made in the pancreas and released in the bloodstream to breakdown sugar in the blood. In PCOS, there is an increased amount of insulin that is responding to the increased amount of sugar in the blood. The abnormally high insulin levels are believed to trigger the production of male hormones. Obviously, these male hormones will wreak havoc in and on the female body.

Aside from finding it hard to conceive, the complications of PCOS are serious. The list includes adult diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, disorders of the uterus, including cancer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment with your doctor ASAP.

Diagnosis of PCOS is simple. An ultrasound exam can reveal polycystic ovaries and an abnormal uterine lining. Blood tests can detect abnormal sugar, insulin, and hormone levels.

There are medical treatment options for those that desire them. Discuss these options at length with your doctor.

Lifestyle changes are probably the single most important factor in managing PCOS, high carbohydrate diets seem to be a problem. Avoid sodas, candy, and food made with enriched (white) flour. Replace them whole grains, fruits, and lots of vegetables. Combine dietary management with an exercise regimen you can live with and begin to reverse your insulin resistance and PCOS .

References

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/polycystic-ovaian-syndrome.cfm

Guzick,D.S. Polycystic ovarian syndrome. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2001; 103:181