PCOS is a Serious Challenge: Sasha Ottey
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, PCOS, impacts 1 in 10 women of childbearing age and symptoms can include ovulatory issues and infertility. So, PCOS is common and disruptive, but the good news is that with appropriate care PCOS can be managed.
The first obstacle to managing PCOS is understanding the various symptoms and receiving a diagnosis. PCOS can come with a wide array of symptoms:
Hair loss
Acne, darkening of the skin, skin tags
Pelvic pain, irregular periods
Headaches, feelings of anxiety and depression
Excess hair growth on the face
Trouble sleeping
Weight gain
Infertility
For more info check out this PCOSinfographic.
These symptoms can be caused by other conditions and everyone with PCOS experience the same symptoms, so it can be extremely difficult to get a diagnosis. The best thing for someone whos exhibiting some of these symptoms is to talk to their doctor. The biggest challenge is, many people dont ask because they dont know what PCOS is.
This is why awareness about PCOS is so crucial. September is PCOS Awareness Month, and to help spread awareness we have created a special three-part series featuring PCOS experts, health specialists, and a fertility patient who built her family despite her diagnosis. This episode features Dr. Kimberly Thompson, fromIVFMD, who breaks down everything you need to know about PCOS and Sasha Ottey, founder ofPCOS Challenge, the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association.
Dr. Thompson will walk us through what PCOS is, what it means for fertility, and how to help women with PCOS build the family of their dreams. Sasha will share her personal experience with PCOS, how she was diagnosed, and how she started the PCOS Challenge. Well learn about PCOS Challenges mission, gain an understanding of how to contribute to PCOS Challenge, and hear about some exciting upcoming events like the Rise to the Challenge Gala.
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