PCOS

The Hidden Epidemic

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) (also correctly called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a complex, broad- spectrum hormonal disturbance affecting the entire body with numerous implications for a woman’s long-term health and quality of life. PCOS is the most common hormonal disturbance of pre-menopausal women and is a leading cause of infertility, but infertility is not the only problem PCOS creates. Common symptoms unrelated to fertility include obesity, abnormal hair growth, skin problems, and abnormal menstrual periods. Additionally, we now know that PCOS has far longer-term health consequences. Women with PCOS have at least 7 times the risk of heart attack and heart disease than other women, are at risk for hypertension, and by the age of 40, 40% of PCOS patients develop Type 2 diabetes. Because often individual symptoms of the syndrome have been presented one at a time to a variety of professionals (gynecologists, dermatologists, internists, hair removal specialists) PCOS has been in the closet for far too long, underestimated both in prevalence and importance. The disease is beginning to receive the attention it deserves through interest and research. Even popular women’s magazines
including Cosmopolitan, Elle, Redbook and Ladies Home Journal have recently published articles on PCOS. There are hundreds of visitors each day to sites on the internet dedicated to PCOS. Yet there has been no comprehensive source of information available to PCOS sufferers� until now. Dr. Thatcher�s book is an exciting first in this field!

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