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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects an estimated 5-10 percent of women of childbearing age and it is a leading cause of infertility. It is the most common endocrinopathy among reproductive age women. As many as 30 percent of women have some characteristics of the syndrome.
Julie has a family history of various female-related medical problems. And for many years she has suffered with PCOS. But before being diagnosed, Julie made numerous trips to the emergency room due to the pelvic pain and bursting cysts that were excruciating. Initially, the cause was unknown but prompted her to first visit her primary care physician before seeking the medical help of her OBGYN and finally an endocrinologist specializing in the condition.
What she found was that she was a text-book case of the condition which does not have one specifically known cause or presentation. In fact, the exact cause of PCOS is unknown. However, Julie suffered for years with menstrual period irregularities, infertility, cystic ovaries, enlarged ovaries, chronic pelvic pain, hair-loss, skin outbreaks, glucose intolerance and obesity.
For anyone with a women suffering with PCOS in their life, it is important to realize that it IS a significant, physically dibilating condition that affects almost every aspect of life. For Julie, while her condition is currently under control, it is not "cured." Just as there is not a definative test for PCOS, there isn't a cure either. But you can TREAT it.
A healthy lifestyle is very important, including healthy eating, proper nutrition and daily exercise. There are excellent long-term medications which may help in the management of the Syndrome. Ask your doctor about the various options.
PCOS is associated with increased risk for endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, insulin resistance, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. So it's clear that this condition carries with it significant consequences and can dramatically affect the quality of life of those suffering with it.
Since she announced on the Season Premier of "The Biggest Loser" that she suffered with PCOS, Julie has literally been flooded with messages and comments via the Internet from other women who also have this condition. They reach out to her for encouragement and support and to share in the experience of dealing with PCOS. The experience has opened Julie's eyes to the fact that she doesn't suffer alone. And that many women are seeking information and support.
