PCOS has been called: “tricky, complex, problematic” and other adjectives that suggest a kind of mysterious condition. But why? I assume this is because even though polycystic ovary syndrome is fairly common (1 in 10 women have it, and it is the most common cause of infertility) it continues to remain a challenging condition to treat.

Scientists have struggled to understand PCOS but it is particularly difficult as the presentation of symptoms can vary from patient to patient. Some researchers believe that PCOS is likely caused by a number of diseases that manifest in similar physical conditions. We know that the symptoms may include: acne, excess and unwanted facial and body hair, irregular periods and insulin resistance-all of which can be mild to severe and partly due to excess hormones (androgens). The symptoms can be easy to handle or devastating for a young women living with it.

Researchers also contemplate if the rise in obesity is contributing to the numbers of new cases of PCOS, and whether there is a genetic and/or environmental component that plays a role. The reality is that we don’t know now but medical science is always moving forward so there is a very good chance that this mysterious condition called PCOS will be understood in the near future.

– Nurse Phaedra