A syndrome doctors can’t even recognize?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorders among young women. 5-10% of women of childbearing age have this syndrome. However, many people ignore their symptoms, which often delays diagnosis. According to one study, 75% of patients with PCOS were not diagnosed even after receiving hospital treatment. The researchers explained that it was because patients did not recognize or were unable to explain their symptoms clearly.
We need to pay more attention to this disorder, which if left unattended for a long time can cause severe issues such as endometrial proliferation and cervical cancer. Don't look away because the name is long and difficult. What signals are you ignoring in your body? Check your risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome through this checklist suggested by doctors.
PCOS checklist : things to be wary of!
➊ No. No one in my family.
➋ No. However, there is a person in my family who is 'overweight and has high blood pressure'.
➌ Yes. Either my mom, my sister, my auntie, my grandmother…
➊ My period starts 21~34 days after it finishes.
➋ My period usually starts 20 days after it finishes.
➌ My period usually starts 35 days after it finishes.
➍ My period is irregular and sometimes skips a month.
➎ I’m taking contraceptive pills so I don’t know my cycle.
➊ Not very heavy so it’s easy to manage.
➋ Pretty average. I change my pad or tampon every 3~4 hours.
➌ Heavy flow.
➍ I often get blood clots.
➎ Heavy flow, and blood clots.
➊ No, my weight is in the normal range.
➋ Yes. I especially gained a lot of weight around my stomach.
➊ No, I sometimes get pimples during menstruation, but it's not bad.
➋ Yes. I have severe acne that doesn't go away no matter what I do.
➌ Yes. I have dark spots on my neck, armpits, and groin, and my skin has gotten darker.
➍ Yes, I have got pimples and dark spots all over my skin.
➊ No, It’s stayed the same.
➋ Yes, my hair has gotten thinner and my temples and the top of my head look thin.
➌ Yes. Black and thick hair grows on my face, chest, and back.
➍ Yes. My hair has gotten thinner, but I have more hair on my face and chest.
- In each item, answer ➊ represents the lowest risk, and the risk increases gradually from ➋ to ➎.
- PCOS can be suspected even slightly if all items were not answered with ➊
- If you answered ➌ to any of the above, it is better to see a doctor
- If you answered ➋ to several of the questions, it is advised to see a doctor.
- Put together a list of answers and give them to your doctor. They can diagnose more accurately with more information.
