PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects between 8% and 13% of women of childbearing age. It is called "endocrinopathy" — meaning there is an abnormal secretion of the chemical that regulates a myriad of functions, from ovulation to acne.
People with PCOS are often overweight, have highly irregular menstrual cycles and have issues regulating blood sugar. They have at least twice the risk of diabetes and are four times more likely to have sleep apnea.
The good news is that it can be diagnosed, and lifestyle modifications as well as medical treatment can make a big difference.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
