A Few Facts About PCOS by Joan Kent, PhD

A Few Facts About PCOS

by Joan Kent, PhD

 

 

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a hormonal abnormality in reproductive-age women. It affects about 7% of women in that age group.

 

Women with PCOS have higher testosterone levels than normal for women, along with disordered secretion of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), both necessary for ovulation. The result is anovulation, menstrual irregularity, hirsutism, and infertility.

 

Metabolically, PCOS is associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.  In the U.S., obesity or overweight is found in anywhere from 40% to 80% of women with PCOS.

 

Women with PCOS tend to have lower than normal levels of gut microbiota (gut flora).

 

PCOS appears to have a strong genetic link.

 

The good news is it’s possible to prevent or reverse PCOS naturally. The next post will cover how to make that happen.