5 things to do when diagnosed with PCOS

5 things to do when diagnosed with PCOS

The first important thing to do is to understand what polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) means.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects the functioning of a woman's ovaries. Note that some hormonal disorders may closely resemble PCOS but are not. The three main characteristics of PCOS are as follows:
  1. Irregular cycles - meaning your ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulation), or regular cycles but anovulatory ones.

  2. Excess androgens - high levels of "male" hormones in your body, which can cause physical signs such as excessive facial or body hair, hair loss, acne...

  3. Polycystic ovaries - your ovaries are enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) surrounding the eggs (despite the name, you do not actually have cysts if you have PCOS).

If you have at least two of these characteristics, the diagnosis of PCOS can be made.