Hyperhidrosis And Hirsutism – Possible Sign Of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PSOS) is a condition that affects as much as 10% of all women (according to the PSOS Association). It is also known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome. Some of the major signs include missed or irregular periods, hyperhidrosis, hirsutism and high blood pressure. You’ve probably heard of irregular periods and high blood pressure, but you might not be familiar with the other the other important signs of hyperhidrosis, hirsutism or growing cysts in your ovaries.
Hyperhidrosis – Huh?
Hyperhidrosis is sweating a lot for no reason at all. The sweats usually are done when the patient is awake, unlike the usual night sweats of menstruating women. There are two kinds of hyperhidrosis – primary and secondary. If you have hyperhidrosis, hirsutism, high blood pressure and other signs of PSOS, then the kind of hyperhidrosis you have is secondary hyperhidrosis, because your PSOS is most likely causing it.
Hirsutism – Also, Huh?
Hirsutism is excess female genital hair growing in places where men would grow hair. Thick, wiry hair growth appears on the face, neck, legs, back or chest. Just having hirsutism by itself is not a threatening medical condition – there’s nothing that can’t be managed with a sharp razor. And women of Mediterranean and African descent are more prone to hirsutism than others, suggesting it may be a genetic condition. But if you have hyperhidrosis, hirsutism appearing may signal PSOS. The new hair growth has been triggered by hormones for hair growth becoming confused under the chemical conditions of PSOS.
Growing Cysts In Your Ovaries
It is unknown what the exact cause of PSOS, but interruption of the normal menstruation cycle always seems part of it. Often, cysts grow in the ovaries, which can bring on pain, mood swings, hyperhidrosis, hirsutism and infertility. These cysts can not only eliminate your fertility, but really impede your quality of life. You must go see the doctor if you think you may have PSOS. If you don’t you risk:
- Obesity
- Heart problems
- Infertility
- Uterine cancer
- Type II Diabetes
PSOS Treatment
Although there isn’t a cure for PSOS – especially since we don’t even know what causes it – PSOS can often be successfully managed and the discomforts alleviated. You may have to take hormones, medications such as oral contraceptives to get your hormones and your menstruation cycle back to normal and in extreme cases, surgery.
You will need to go through a variety of tests to determine that you have PSOS or something else.
By Health Editor
