September is PCOS awareness month, but unless you are one of the 10 million women who are affected by the condition, you probably do not know much about it. Since September is PCOS awareness month, we thought we would give you an opportunity to learn more about this condition.

What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women, with 50% of those women going undiagnosed. It is a genetic, metabolic, and reproductive disorder, and is the leading cause of female infertility. The hormones involved in PCOS are androgens (sometimes referred to as “male hormones”), insulin, and progesterone. Despite having “cystic” in the name, many women do not have cysts on their ovaries. PCOS can also lead to obesity, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and even anxiety and depression. Women with PCOS are 4-7 times more likely to have a heart attack, and 3 times more likely to develop endometrial cancer.

What are the symptoms?
Some common symptoms of PCOS include weight gain, fatigue, infertility, acne, mood changes, pelvic pain, irregular periods, and unwanted hair growth. Since these symptoms can easily be caused by some other medical issue, it is best to go to a doctor and let them determine if your symptoms might be caused by PCOS.

Is there a cure for PCOS?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS yet, but there are ways to decrease the symptoms. There are medicines that can treat irregular periods, acne, and elevated blood sugar. Women can seek fertility treatments to aide in getting pregnant. As always, good diet and exercise can help with the excess weight gain, though many women do feel it is harder to lose and keep off the excess weight caused by PCOS. Many women seek electrolysis to help in decreasing or eliminating the unwanted excess hair (hirsutism) that comes with PCOS. Electrolysis is the only method approved by the FDA for permanent removal of unwanted hair.
 
You are not alone.
Here at Advanced Electrolysis, we understand the frustration PCOS brings as two of our electrologists have the disease.  It is physically and emotionally difficult.  Please know that when you walk through the doors of Advanced Electrolysis, we understand and honor you.  If you would like to learn more on how to permanently remove the PCOS symptom of unwanted hair growth, please contact us to schedule an appointment.  801-782-5868.  Treating hirsutism is one area we, ladies with PCOS, can regain control and feel like ourselves again.  We look forward to meeting you and sharing your experience with you along your journey.