Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a health issue where a woman’s hormones become imbalanced. PCOS can cause many issues in women who have it including problems with their periods as well as making it more difficult to become pregnant. In addition, polycystic ovarian syndrome can also cause unwanted changes in the way a woman looks. If PCOS is left untreated, it can cause some serious health issues over time including heart disease and diabetes.
Most of the women who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome will develop small cysts on their ovaries. This is the reason for the name of the syndrome. The cysts that develop on the ovaries are not harmful, but lead to imbalances of the hormones. An early diagnosis and treatment plan can help to control the symptoms of the disorder and also prevent some of the long term problems that are associated with it. Here are 20 surprising facts about PCOS that every woman should know.
1. Number of Women Affected by PCOS
Many people do not realize just how many women are truly affected by polycystic ovarian syndrome. It is estimated that one out of every twenty women in the United States who are in their childbearing years are affected by PCOS. In addition, about one out of every ten girls as young as age eleven are affected by the syndrome. This is an estimated total of approximately five million women in the United States alone who are affected by polycystic ovarian syndrome.
These numbers are quite high and they are not even exact because there are many women who are affected by this disorder and do not even know it as they have not had a proper diagnosis. It is important to know these statistics because this syndrome can cause many other health issues if it is not diagnosed early and treatment is not received. Proper treatment is essential for those who suffer from PCOS.
