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By the time a PCOS diagnosis is provided, it’s been a long time coming. Years, possibly. Yet, little information or resources are provided. You may be here because you have just received a diagnosis, because you’re at the beginning of your journey, wondering what to do next, or somewhere in between. Whatever the case, I’m glad you’re here. You’ll find hundreds of articles focused on PCOS here. With that said, let’s examine the PCOS basics.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a common hormonal syndrome affecting as many as 15%–20% of women of reproductive age. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that other possible causes for the signs and symptoms must be ruled out first. Then the Rotterdam Criteria come into play.

The Rotterdam Criteria



Currently, to meet the diagnosis for PCOS, you need to have two or three of the following:

– High testosterone levels
– Irregular (or absent) periods (eight or fewer per year)
– Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

Acne

37.3% — 60% of women with acne have PCOS.

Excessive facial and body hair growth

Estimates suggest approximately 43.9% of women with PCOS have hirsutism.

Overweight or obesity

Predictions reveal that 28.3% of overweight women have PCOS.

Anovulatory infertility

Of couples struggling with anovulatory infertility, 90% involve PCOS.

Higher rates of miscarriage

Suffered from a miscarriage or recurrent miscarriage? It is estimated that 30 – 50% of pregnancies will result in a first-trimester miscarriage in women with this syndrome.

Resources to support you on your PCOS journey

www.PCOSChallenge.org
www.ConquerYourPCOSNaturally.com

www.PCOSDiva.com

www.PCOSDietSupport.com
http://www.PCOSAA.org/
www.Sepalika.com

Take a look around. This is a safe, inclusive space.

From PCOS to perfect health, with love,

Dr. Rebecca Harwin
The PCOS Expert
Chiropractor & Bestselling Author of
Conquer Your PCOS Naturally
www.ConquerYourPCOSNaturally.com

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872139/
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1346-8138.1997.tb02778.x/abstract
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2475013?resultClick=1 
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/411160
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1995495/
http://amzn.to/2yiKzc3
http://amzn.to/2iJ1vlr