TTC #1 - My Introduction

What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (say "pah-lee-SIS-tik OH-vuh-ree SIN-drohm") is a problem in which a womans hormones are out of balance. It can cause problems with your periods and make it difficult to get pregnant. PCOS may also cause unwanted changes in the way you look. If it is not treated, over time it can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS) is common, affecting as many as 1 in 15 women. Often the symptoms begin in the teen years. Treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent long-term problems.
What are hormones, and what happens in PCOS?

Hormones are chemical messengers that trigger many different processes, including growth and energy production. Often, the job of one hormone is to signal the release of another hormone.

For reasons that are not well understood, in PCOS the hormones get out of balance. One hormone change triggers another, which changes another. This makes a vicious circle of out-of-balance hormones. For example: * The sex hormones get out of balance. Normally, the ovaries make a tiny amount of male sex hormones (androgens). In PCOS, they start making slightly more androgens. This may cause you to stop ovulating, get acne, and grow extra facial and body hair. * The body may have a problem using insulin, called insulin resistance. When the body doesn't use insulin well, blood sugar levels go up. Over time, this increases your chance of getting diabetes.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms tend to be mild at first. You may have only a few symptoms or a lot of them. The most common symptoms are: * Acne. * Weight gain and trouble losing weight. * Extra hair on the face and body. Often women get thicker and darker facial hair and more hair on the chest, belly, and back. * Thinning hair on the scalp. * Irregular periods. Often women with PCOS have fewer than nine periods a year. Some women have no periods. Others have very heavy bleeding. * Fertility problems. Many women with PCOS have trouble getting pregnant (infertility). * Depression.

Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. That is why it is called polycystic ovary syndrome. The cysts are not harmful, but lead to hormone imbalances.
What causes PCOS?

The symptoms of PCOS are caused by changes in hormone levels. There may be one or more causes for the hormone level changes.

PCOS seems to run in families, so your chance of having it is higher if other women in your family have PCOS, irregular periods, or diabetes. PCOS can be passed down from either your mother's or father's side.
How is PCOS diagnosed?

To diagnose PCOS, the doctor will: * Ask questions about your past health, symptoms, and menstrual cycles. * Do a physical exam to look for signs of PCOS, such as extra body hair and high blood pressure. The doctor will also check your height and weight to see if you have a healthy body mass index (BMI). * Do a number of lab tests to check your blood sugar, insulin, and other hormone levels. Hormone tests can help rule out thyroid or other gland problems that could cause similar symptoms.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• pcos
• support
• pregnancy
• childbirth
• fertility
• polycystic
• ovarian
• syndrome

[pendu87]

:S this is scary

[SARAH25PCOS]

Why is this scary?

[pendu87]

i don't know, by the grace of god, i am a healthy woman.. but god forbid something happens to me and my ability to have children... i think i would be devastated... i think i wouldn't be as strong as you women are. I admire your strength. I am just a coward hence I am scared. :(

[SARAH25PCOS]

I don't think you're a coward because you're scared. What's scary is that I'm a generally healthy woman with "broken ovaries". It's hereditary what I have - it can happen just like High Blood Pressure is hereditary. I have been enduring this for over 10 years and it has been hard...the entire time. Even more so now that it's "real" because I'm trying to have a child. This was a difficult video to make because I was just beginning on this journey. Check my new vid - it is a happy one :)

[thebubblelush]

Hi Sarah, has a doctor ever checked you for endometriosis? I've done a lot of research on PCOS and have never associated it with severe pain during menstruation. This symptom is more commonly seen with endometriosis.

Welcome to the TTC community here on youtube and good luck on your journey!

[SARAH25PCOS]

Never checked for endometriosis before. My Mother had it after she was pregnant with me and had to undergo a hysterectomy when I was 5 or 6. I looked up some symptoms of this and it seems that I had a couple - but then again, the internet is either your best or worst friend in these instances. The one that sticks out most is the part where there is frequent diarrhea before the onset of a cycle. That's how I new my cycle was coming :-( - doesn't happen now though, thankfully!!!

[Kickine]

How is PCOS diagnosed? Scan?

[Kickine]

I've watched your other channel for a good 2 year, and had no idea of any of this :) so well done for keeping it separate!

I Stumbled across this video cos I was researching PCOS. I've not had no cycle for 6 months. I'm terrified.

Your twins are beautiful :) x

[Blackbarbietea]

I have PCOS, I dont even get cramps (when I can get a period), and I only have the overweight thing, and facial hair. =/...Not sure about the kid thing yet as I am a virgin and unmarried.

[hardesy15]

**TFS**you helped me today

[DownAzzGirlE]

Did you have a hard time getting diagnosed with PCOS? I went to a Doctor for 2 years and finally just stopped seeing him because he had no knowledge about why my periods were so far apart (1 every 3-6 months or whenever it decides to rear its head) Finally I got a woman doctor who said you have every symptom of PCOS. She had an ultrasound done and when I went back to get the results she told me I have PCOS & have lots of cysts in my ovaries. I felt validated like I KNEW something was wrong lol

[Tiffanyhartandco]

Thank you so very much! You are inspirational. You have helped change/reach/inform the viewers of you-tube around the world. You are changing the world in a way more significant than I or most users are able to articulate here. Thank you for your courage to share.

[Carebear19829]

i also have PCOS and i dont have Acme, i have the overweight, and the excess hair... i dont have horrible cramps with my cycles seeing i hardly have them, i want to thank you for posting this video, i give a thumbs up b/c i couldnt ever post this at times i am ashamed to go anywhere knowing i have to either wax or shave, and i at times cry myself to sleep... im crying now im out once again thanks

[Vicentesgirl22]

i LOVE all your makeup videos and when i saw this i had to watch it .. i am so sorry your having trouble with PCOS .. i have it too and it took a year for us to concieve our first one .. we were able to do it naturally though .. and then had a second one .. since ive had her my pcos is acting up more and more .. i hope ur TTC goes smoothly!! i wish you and your husband nothing but the best!! LOTS of baby dust your way! - Kim

[pendu87]

Honestly, i feel stupid, i never knew that much about pcos... i have to admit i have been ignorant and literally blind to it. I didn't know it was hereditary!!?!? this is very informative, and Sarah, if you haven't already, I hope and pray for you to have a healthy child and I'm sure you will be the best mom in the world :) You are a real woman, and I like that about you.

Thank you! <3

p.s i was just looking through the other vids and your other channel... where have you been all my life??!?!