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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a health problem that can effect a woman's menstural cycle, ability to have children, hormones, blood vessels, and appearance. It is not fully understood what the mode of inheritance is for PCOS, but they think genetics must be a factor in this process. There is also studies that women who have PCOS have either a mother or a sister that have it. There is no test to take to see if you have PCOS. Your doctor can take your medical history, give you a physical exam, and possibly take blood tests so they can see if they can rule out other causes for the symptoms of PCOS.

Symptoms of PCOS tend to start gradually and can start in the early teens after the first menstrual period.

Early Symptoms:
 * Few or no menstrual periods
 * heavy irregular vaginal bleeding
 * hair loss on scalp and hair growth on face, chest, back, stomach, thumb or toes
 * acne and oily skin
 * depression or mood swings

Gradual Symptoms:
 * weight gain or upper body obesity
 * male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
 * repeat miscarrages
 * inability to become pregnant
 * symptoms of too much insulin and insulin resistance
 * breathing problems while sleeping
 * pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is not fatal. One out of ten women have PCOS and can occur in girls as young as 11 years old. There is no treatment to prevent PCOS but you can balance it out by exercising, not smoking, and eating healthy. You can also take medicine to help balance it out.

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