Also known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, it is the leading cause of infertility in women, affects between 6-10% of all women and most of them do not even know they have it. The good news is that the condition is treatable. The bad news is that there is no cure. So what is it and how do you know if you have it?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome was identified more than 75 years ago, and like many conditions that affect women, science is not sure what causes it. What they do know is that it affects far more than just reproduction.

• Elevated insulin levels, Insulin Resistance, or Diabetes
• Irregular or absent menses
• Numerous cysts on the ovaries in many, but not all cases
• High blood pressure
• Acne
• Infertility
• Excess hair on the face and body
• Thinning of the scalp hair (alopecia)
• Weight problems or obesity that is centered on the mid-section
• Skin tags
• Acanthosis nigricans (brown skin patches found in skin folds - nape of neck, elbows, arm pits)
• Exhaustion or lack of mental alertness
• High cholesterol levels
• Decreased sex drive
• Depression and mood swings

Many of the symptoms are linked to high levels of testosterone in the blood. With too much testosterone, the ovary is unable to eject an egg during ovulation. The egg becomes trapped within the ovary turning into a cyst. Cysts build up within the ovary, increasing levels of testosterone in the blood and the vicious cycle is reinforced.

Since the egg has not been released, infertility ensues and menses becomes irregular or stops entirely. Without a monthly menses, the layers of uterine lining build up, increasing the risk of uterine cancer.

Weight problems or obesity centered on the patient's mid-section creates more than just embarrassment; it brings its own health hazards. Blood pressure begins to rise and the risk of developing diabetes increases to unmanageable heights. This condition has progressed into a serious health issue, yet patients do not seek out medical help out of embarrassment and shame.

The build up of testosterone in the blood has created embarrassing side effects that most women cannot bring themselves to discuss with anyone, including their physician. Hair begins to grow on the face and upper body, scalp hair begins to thin and acne breaks-out in hormonal flashes. No matter how hard the woman has tried, she cannot lose weight and often depression ensues.

Recent studies of PCOS have shown that the underlying cause of this condition is insulin-resistance. Treat the insulin-resistance, and all other symptoms of the condition go away. The most effective treatment is the drug metformin combined with a low-carbohydrate diet and exercise. Many women report relief of many symptoms within the first 30 days of treatment.

So where can you find help?

Most physicians are sadly uninformed on this condition. If you suspect you have this condition, ask your physician for a referral to an endocrinologist. If your physician balks, go elsewhere. This condition is very real, and left untreated it is very dangerous.

For support and more information about PCOS, I highly recommend PCOS.net.