PCOS: 20 Facts That May Surprise You

Depression. Anxiety. Weight gain. Fatigue. Increased acne and hair growth. Irregular periods. Infertility. Brain fog. Bloating.

These are some of the most notable symptoms of the most common hormonal, metabolic and reproductive disorders found in women: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

So, what is PCOS exactly?

We know those of us with PCOS have too many male hormones, and not enough female hormones, which interferes with many processes in the body producing many adverse symptoms — many times devastating. Our ovaries may be enlarged and may even contain multiple small cyst-like structures (immature ovarian follicles) — hence the name.   But not necessarily.

If left untreated, this hormone imbalance can affect everything from your menstrual cycle, to your appearance, your ability to have children and to your overall health. And later in life, to diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Unfortunately, this disorder is one of the most misunderstood, under-diagnosed and under-funded conditions affecting women’s health.

However, hope is not lost. Not at all. Not even a little bit. Because you have all the power to heal completely from the symptoms of PCOS.
Here are some interesting facts about  polycystic ovary syndrome:

  1. Women with PCOS have higher rates of anxiety and depression
  2. 5-10% of women of childbearing age in the United States, or roughly 5 million, have
  3. PCOS affects 4% to 8% of women worldwide and as high as 25% in some populations, making it the most common hormone problem for women.
  4. Less than 50 percent of women are properly diagnosed, leaving millions of women living with symptoms that go unsupported.
  5. Elevated insulin or insulin resistance are not part of the diagnostic criteria for PCOS but are seen in the majority of women with PCOS.
  6. The diagnostic criteria for PCOS is not helpful. It states that a woman has PCOS if she has at least two of the following three criteria: 1) irregular or absent periods, 2) blood tests or physical signs that show high androgens (male hormones), 3) polycystic ovaries, so this leaves many women without support.
  7. Signs of hormonal imbalance are more important for PCOS such as: hair growth on the face, hair loss, acne, weight gain, irregular cycles, PMS, hot flashes, brain fog, bloating, etc.
  8. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea due to the influence of androgens affecting sleep receptors in the brain.
  9. Despite its name, not all women with PCOS actually have cysts on their ovaries.
  10. Women with PCOS have more testosterone and can build muscle easier than women without the syndrome.
  11. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in women with PCOS at middle age is 6.8 times higher than that of the general female population.
  12. A number of studies demonstrate that modest weight loss of 5-10% of initial body weight improves metabolic, physiological and psychological aspects of PCOS.
  13. Women with PCOS have a higher incidence of gestational diabetes, miscarriages, preterm deliveries, and stillbirths.
  14. As many as 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance and 10% have type 2 diabetes.
  15. More than 50 percent of women with PCOS will have diabetes or pre-diabetes before the age of 40.
  16. The risk of heart attack is four to seven times higher and women with PCOS are also three times more likely to develop endometrial cancer than those without it.
  17. Symptoms of PCOS are completely treatable and can completely resolve themselves with the right approach.
  18. Science shows that it takes a 5-element process to heal from the symptoms: 1) the right nutrients to support healthy hormone and blood sugar levels, 2) using food as medicine, 3) using movement as medicine, 4) having an awareness around cravings and what to do about them, and 5) a support community.
  19. Over-exercising and counting calories can make PCOS symptoms much worse.
  20. Healthy fats do not raise insulin so are a great food source for women with PCOS.

PCOS is one of the most common female endocrine disorders, yet it’s a mysterious condition for many women and the medical community alike. What is important to remember, is that you have all the power to heal from the symptoms of PCOS. And we’re here to support you every step of the way.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/heather-huhman/frustrating-facts-about-pcos_b_7686030.html
https://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3083905/

Sasha Pieterse Opens Up About PCOS — What You Need to Know About the Condition


thehealthline.info/30-interesting-facts-about-pcos-everyone-should-know-this/

Next Steps

Becoming victorious over the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is not an easy task, but you can overcome your symptoms to live the life you deserve.

It takes strength, courage, and perseverance. It can be challenging and that’s why Insulite Health created the PCOS 5-Element System. It’s a step-by-step process that will help you balance your hormones and reverse PCOS symptoms using our proprietary 5% Solution.

So take the next steps now! Use the links below to learn how to make the changes that will transform your health and your life forever.

  1. Read more about PCOS
  2. Take the PCOS Test and assess your risk!
  3. Learn more about the Insulite 5-Element PCOS Solution

About Insulite Health PCOS.com

Insulite Health, is committed to helping women reverse their symptoms of hormone imbalance. Scientific research has revealed that this imbalance can be a primary cause of many devastating health symptoms. Hormone Imbalance can also underlie the increased risk factors for PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) – a major source of serious diseases as well as cause of excess weight gain, adult acne, unwanted facial hair, depression, anxiety, and heartbreaking female infertility.

©Insulite Health, Inc., pcos.com empowers women with PCOS to transform their lives through a process of healing with the 5-Element PCOS System — the world’s only complete solution for helping women heal from the symptoms of PCOS and hormone imbalance.

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Robin is an Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She comes to Insulite Health with a passion for helping women live vibrant, passionate lives. Robin had her own struggles with health. As a teenager she suffered from digestive disorders, weight, acne and hypoglycemia. As an adult she continued to struggle with balancing blood sugar, adult acne, mood swings, weight gain, arthritic conditions in her hands and chronic inflammation. Robin understands first hand how symptoms of poor health can keep us from living the life we dreamed of.

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Written by Robin Nielsen
Medical Writer & Editor

Robin is an Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She comes to Insulite Health with a passion for helping women live vibrant, passionate lives. Robin had her own struggles with health. As a teenager she suffered from digestive disorders, weight, acne and hypoglycemia. As an adult she continued to struggle with balancing blood sugar, adult acne, mood swings, weight gain, arthritic conditions in her hands and chronic inflammation. Robin understands first hand how symptoms of poor health can keep us from living the life we dreamed of.

View all post by Robin Nielsen