PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a health condition that affects approximately 8 to 10 percent of all women that have the ability to have children, making it one of the most common ailments women face today. So, how do you know if you have PCOS? Women that have PCOS usually display the following characteristics:

- Higher than normal hormones (usually male), called androgens, - Irregular or non-existent menstrual cycle - They also may have small cysts (small sacs filled with fluid) on their ovaries.

Women with PCOS can experience a wide range of symptoms, including, but not limited to: irregular bleeding in lieu of a period or no period at all. Suffer with infertility or the inability to get pregnant because of a lack of ovulation. An increase of hair growth on the chest, face, back, stomach, fingers or toes. Increased presence of acne and oily skin along with dandruff. Commonly felt is pain in the pelvic area with obvious weight gain, especially around the midsection. The development of type-2 diabetes, high cholesterol and increased blood pressure are also risks. Baldness (male-pattern) or a thinning of hair can occur as can patches of darkened, thickened skin on the arms, neck, thighs and breasts or the development of skin tags and possibly sleep apnea.

The causes of PCOS are unknown at this time. While there is evidence that most PCOS sufferers do have a sister or mother who also has PCOS, there is no concrete evidence showing a genetic connection.

To understand PCOS fully, it helps to have a complete knowledge of the female reproductive system and how PCOS affects women. The ovaries are made up of two tiny organs located on either side of the uterus and are dotted with follicles. Follicles are tiny sacs that contain liquid that keep hold of the eggs. Another name for the sacs are cysts. As with all women, about twenty different eggs in the ovaries begin to grow each month, but most times, only one egg wins out. As that one dominant egg matures, the cyst gathers liquid in it. When the egg reaches maturity, the cyst bursts open to allow the egg to travel up the fallopian tube to be fertilized. This is what is called ovulation.

For women that suffer from PCOS, the ovaries do not make the proper hormones needed for the egg to fully grow and be released. Most times, the eggs will begin to mature and gather liquid, but no single egg becomes mature enough to be released for ovulation. Instead, the eggs remain in the cysts. Since there is no egg released, ovulation never happens and the hormone known as progesterone isn't made. Without the hormone, the woman's menstrual cycle is absent or very irregular. Making things worse, the cysts can produce a male hormone, which further inhibits ovulation.

There is no cure for PCOS at this time, and the onset of PCOS can spell a myriad of health problems. Eating a healthy diet, losing weight, getting pregnant and even enjoying exercise can become a major challenge.