PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome-This is what I have.

CAUSES:

Polycystic ovary disease affects hormone cycles. Hormones help regulate the normal development of eggs in the ovaries. It is not completely understood why or how hormone cycles are interrupted, although there are several ideas.

Follicles are sacs within the ovaries that contain eggs. In polycystic ovary disease, there are many poorly developed follicles in the ovaries. The eggs in these follicles do not mature and, therefore, cannot be released from the ovaries. Instead, they form cysts in the ovary.

This can contribute to infertility. The immature follicles and the inability to release an egg (ovulate) are likely caused by low levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and higher than normal levels of male hormones (androgens) produced in the ovary.

Women are usually diagnosed when in their 20s or 30s. Women with this disorder often have a mother or sister who has symptoms similar to polycystic ovary disease.

*With this there are similar symptoms of type 2 Diabetes. I DO NOT have type 2 diabetes but I am at a higher risk for it and breast and endometrial cancer.

Currently my doctor (who is fabulous) is treating it with Metformin. This is due to the fact that my insulin (which I am not intolerant of just resistant to) doesn't know exactly what to do with the sugar that is produced by my liver. Because of this I have High Blood Pressure and my body stores the sugar as fat. Preventing me from losing weight. But there is a way around this! (Please see below)

Metformin: is an oral anti-biotic drug. It is the first-line drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is also used in the treatment of PCOS and has been investigated for other diseases where insulin resistance may be an important factor.

Metformin will now tell my insulin that it's okay to do its thing. It assists in helping insulin do its job. This will result in me being able to lose weight, process food like a normal person and help me fight off getting Type 2 diabetes. Losing weight is a key part of my health right now and Metformin (NOT a weight loss drug) helps my body to let go instead of hold on. By losing weight other aspects of my health can start to realign themselves so that I can start being more "normal". It's a process but it's something and I am excited to get started.

If you have any questions, please feel free to post the questions in a comment or if we're Facebook friends and you don't feel comfortable asking a question for the world to see, send me a message. I'm more than happy to answer ANY questions.