It is also important to note that PCOS is a major contributor to difficulties in conceiving, and some professionals consider it to be one of the leading causes of infertility in women.

http://www.womens-health.co.uk/pcos5.asp

Blessings,
Michael

I have PCOS, and I thought that PCOS made you more likely to develop insulin resistance, not the other way around. I don't have IR, and a lot of other women with PCOS don't.

PCOS is depressing because a lot of the symptoms appear to be simply "cosmetic" and many women with PCOS could just be considered "ugly" (excess hair that you can't remove, acne, extra weight, etc). It's hard to get diagnosed and a lot of doctors just say "there's nothing you can do about unless you are trying to get pregnant, then we can help you ovulate." But there are in fact drugs that can help with IR and even the hair growth. You really need to find someone who specializes in it.

There are a lot of more subtle symptoms like sweating more than normal, having tingly extremities, and swelling up easily.

I went to an endocrinologist when I realized three things 1) I had been getting laser hair removal for 8 years but the hair grows back in a week and 2) I've never had a problem with eating too much or lacking exercise, but I can gain 5 lbs in one day if I don't monitor myself to eat less than 1500 calories and 3) I always thought my periods were "regular" but they really weren't, and I have severe PMDD on top of it.

Here's a free quiz to see if you have an underlying hormonal imbalance: http://www.womentowomen.com/healthassessment/default.aspx and this site also has a pretty good introductory article about PCOS -- from the perspective of integrative medicine: http://www.womentowomen.com/healthassessment/default.aspx

I believe this is one of depressions attacks on the body. sincerely,David