PCOS Explained: From Misconceptions to Modern Management

Most people do not understand PCOS. If they have heard of it, they think it is just a fertility problem or those overweight women with chin and neck hair. Even health professionals often lack information or do not take its symptoms seriously. Things are starting to change. More and more people-both health professionals and the general public are becoming aware of PCOS and its means. It is being discussed at medical conferences and in professional journals. Much scientific research is being done on PCOS. Dozens of studies have been published in medical journals in the last two months alone. Research is beginning to unravel the complex biological processes involved in PCOS. Understanding these processes will lead to better treatment, which will improve symptoms and correct the underlying problem.If you have searched the Internet for information about polycystic ovary syndrome, you may have found personal stories that describe experiences very similar to yours. Remember that not everyone who thinks they have polycystic ovary syndrome does. Other hormonal disorders can cause very similar symptoms. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a trained professional, preferably an endocrinologist familiar with PCOS or perhaps a reproductive endocrinologist. However, several well-trained gynecologists and internists have experience diagnosing PCOS. As one of the physicians considered pioneers in diagnosing PCOS and developing effective treatments, I am interested in raising awareness among women who suffer from this sometimes confusing syndrome. I want women to know that if they seek help in the right place, help is available.If someone were to ask me what I have done in my life as a physician, I would answer that I have spent more than fifteen years treating women with PCOS. Today, most of the patients in my practice are women who know or suspect they have PCOS.As knowledge about PCOS and its treatment has increased, I have been fortunate to be involved in important advances. Although physicians still have much to learn a