'My longest period lasted over six months - it puts my life on hold'
ok.co.ukPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent but intricate condition impacting hormone levels and ovarian function.The NHS reports that it affects about one in every 10 women in the UK, yet over half may not notice any symptoms.
Women's health guru Dr Shirin Lakhani (drshirinlakhani.co.uk) describes PCOS as causing a "constellation of physical and mental health symptoms".
She notes, "It causes the ovaries to produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones that are usually present in women in only small amounts.This hormone imbalance causes their body to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant." Typically manifesting in late adolescence or early adulthood, PCOS diagnosis often occurs when women are in their twenties or thirties.
Symptoms range from mild to severe and can lead to "anxiety and distress", Dr Shirin points out.They can be tricky to identify, sometimes slipping under the radar, the Mirror reports.
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