 PCOS,
also known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is reported
to be a growing problem with adolescent girls (1). It can be very difficult
to diagnose PCOS in teenage girls as they often experience irregular or
absent menses and acne (2). Insulin
Resistance, an underlying cause of PCOS, may or may not be detectable
in adolescents during the onset of PCOS symptoms. As a result, researchers
report that Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is often missed in this age group
(3). This causes great concern among clinicians due to the potentially
serious complications associated with these conditions.
A Common Ovary Disease
It is widely accepted in medicine that PCOS is one of the most common reproductive
endocrinological disorders in women (4). In a U.S. study, scientists reported
that the prevalence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome may be as high as 11.2%
in women of reproductive years (5). Of that group, adolescent girls make
up a large part, perhaps as high as 50%.
Teenagers may experience the full range of PCOS
symptoms often seen in more mature women including irregular or completely
absent periods, heavier-than-normal menstrual bleeding, ovarian cysts, hirsutism
(excessive facial or body hair) and alopecia (male pattern baldness). Other
symptoms range from acne, skin tags (growths on the skin) and brown skin
patches to reduced sex drive, exhaustion or lack of mental alertness, depression
and anxiety. Plus sleep apnea (trouble breathing during sleeping) and thyroid
problems.
In addition, as seen in their mature counter-parts, teens who are overweight
are increasingly being linked with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. While the
pattern of irregular menses is often the first sign of PCOS in teens, obesity,
hirsutism and other symptoms can soon develop. While young girls may have
any or all of the above symptoms, it is possible for just one of the symptoms
to be present leading to the suspicion and diagnosis of PCOS in adolescents
(2).
Insulin Resistance Underlies PCOS
It is accepted that an underlying
cause of PCOS is Insulin Resistance. This may be detected in adolescent
girls with proper testing, but researchers and clinicians alike admit that
it is often difficult to detect Insulin Resistance at a young age even
with appropriate testing. Instead of relying on Insulin Resistance, clinicians
are now looking very closely at the clinical picture (the symptoms that
are present), weight and family history in making the diagnosis of PCOS
in teenagers.
If Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and therefore Insulin Resistance are missed,
many serious complications can develop as the adolescent matures. Some
of these problems include heart disease, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis,
high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. But with the proper
treatment, Insulin Resistance and PCOS can be reversed.
A Multi-faceted Approach for PCOS and Insulin Resistance
At the present time, there is no single pill that will cure Polycystic
Ovarian Syndrome, but there are ways to address Insulin Resistance.
The Insulite
PCOS System consists of several elements, all designed to work together
to address both PCOS and Insulin Resistance. The System is comprised of
nutraceuticals (vitamins, minerals and herbs that are disease specific),
diet and exercise guidelines and customer support which research shows
to be essential for any lifestyle change.
The supplements of the Insulite
PCOS System are designed to improve insulin sensitivity, help you lose
weight, reduce the symptoms of PCOS, correct your hormonal
imbalance and help manage the deleterious consequences of having elevated
insulin. With a modified dosing schedule, girls as young as 12 can use
Insulite PCOS.
You may be interested in some of our Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) on PCOS and the Insulite PCOS System.
(1) Growth
and Development - Rogol, A.D., M.D., PhD, Current Opinion
in Endocrinology and Diabetes, 2002. 9(1): p. 11-12
(2) Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome in Adolescence - Driscoll, D.A., Ann. N.Y. Acad.
Sci., 2003. 997: p. 49-55.
(3) Polycystic
ovary syndrome in adolescents: is there an epidemic?
- Arslanian, S., M.D. and S.F. Witchel, M.D., Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes.
9(1):32-42, February 2002.
(4) Endocrine
and metabolic changes in women with polycystic ovaries and polycystic
ovary syndrome
- Koivunen, R.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology., University
of Oulu: Finland.
(5) Prevalence
of the polycystic ovary syndrome in unselected black and white women
of the southeastern United States: a prospective study
- Knochenhauer, E., et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 1998. 83(9): p.
3078-3082.
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to read the PCOS Glossary
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