30 PCOS facts...

30 Interesting Facts About PCOS

1. Women with PCOS have higher rates of anxiety and depression than women without the syndrome.

2. Women with PCOS reach menopause two to five years later than women without PCOS.

3. Elevated insulin or insulin resistance are not part of the diagnostic criteria for PCOS. 

4. Precise and uniform criteria for diagnosing PCOS has not yet been established.

5. In 2010, the estimated annual national health care cost associated with PCOS was $1.16 billion.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21747019

6. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea due to the influence of androgens affecting sleep receptors in the brain. 

7. Women with PCOS can have monthly menstrual cycles and still have PCOS. 

8. Despite its name, not all women with PCOS actually have cysts on their ovaries. 

9. Characteristics of PCOS were first described in 1935 by researchers Stein and Leventhal. 

10. There are at least 10 different phenotypes associated with PCOS.

11. Metformin, the most common medication used to treat PCOS is not yet labeled for use for treating the syndrome. 

12. Not all women with PCOS will experience difficulty conceiving a child. 

13. Know your numbers: women with PCOS commonly have elevated triglycerides and low HDL ("good" cholesterol). Changes to diet and lifestyle can improve levels. 

14. In PCOS, there is a rapid conversion from impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes. For this reason, the AEPCOS Society recommends yearly blood screening. 

15. Women with PCOS have more testosterone and can therefore build muscle easier than women without the syndrome.http://www.pcosnutrition.com/links/blogs/rev-up-your-metabolism.html

16. It is important if you are taking metformin or oral contraceptives to also take a B12 supplement as the drug can interfere with absorption of the vitamin. A lack of B12 can cause permanent and serious problems.

17. The cysts typically seen in PCOS are actually the result of a hormonal imbalance, not the cause of the syndrome. 

18. One of the earliest signs of elevated androgens in adolescents with PCOS is acne. 

19. There is lack of evidence that supports a very low carbohydrate diet as an effective eating plan over other diets for women with PCOS. 

20. Fish oil improves almost every aspect of PCOS from improving hair quality to mood. 

21. Eating protein and/or fat-containing foods every 3 to 5 hours throughout the day may help to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent cravings. 

22. Regular exercise is an effective way to improve insulin levels. 

23. As women with PCOS get older, they are likely to experience more regular menstrual cycles.

24. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in women with PCOS at middle age is 6.8 times higher than that of the general female population. Gambineri A, Patton L, Altieri P, et al. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes: Results From a Long-Term Prospective Study. Diabetes. Jun 14 2012.

25. A number of studies demonstrate that modest weight loss of 5-10% of initial body weight improves metabolic, physiological and psychological aspects of PCOS.

26. The optimal treatment for PCOS is yet to be determined but research suggests a multifactorial approach involving diet and lifestyle modification and medications. 

27. PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder among women of childbearing age, affecting 5% to 10% of women. 

28. It is estimated that 50-70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance. 

29. Vitamin D, a hormone and a vitamin, has been shown to play a role in insulin resistance and egg development. 

30. If left untreated, PCOS can lead to numerous chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. With treatment, these conditions can be prevented.