Womens Health

Breast cancer is cancer of breast tissue. Worldwide, it is the most common form of cancer in females, affecting approximately 10% of all women at some stage of their life in the

Western world. Although significant efforts are made to achieve early detection and effective treatment, about 20% of all women with breast cancer will die from the disease, and it is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in women.In the month of October, breast cancer is recognized by survivors, family and friends of survivors and/or victims of the disease. A pink ribbon is worn to recognize the struggle that men and women face when battling the cancer. Actress/Singer Kylie Minogue is a as of 2005|recent well-known breast cancer patient whose disease has raised breast cancer awareness.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, also known clinically as Stein-Leventhal syndrome), is an endocrine disorder that affects 5�10% of women. It occurs amongst all races and nationalities, is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, and is a leading cause of infertility. The symptoms and severity of the syndrome vary greatly between women.DefinitionThere are two definitions that are commonly used:In 1990 a consensus workshop sponsored by the NIH/NICHD suggested that a patient has PCOS if she has (1) signs of androgen excess (clinical or biochemical), (2) oligoovulation, and (3) other entities are excluded that would cause polycystic ovaries. In 2003 a consensus workshop sponsored by ESHRE/ASRM in Rotterdam indicated PCOS to be present if 2 out of 3 criteria are met: (1) oligoovulation and/or anovulation, (2) excess androgen activity, (3) polycystic ovaries (by gynecologic ultrasonography), and other causes of PCOS are excluded. The Rotterdam definition is wider, including many more patients, notably patients without androgen excess, while in the NIH/NICHD definiton androgen excess is a prerequisite. Critics maintain that findings obtained from the study of patients with androgen excess cannot be necessarily extrapolated to patients without androgen excess.Signs and symptomsCommon symptoms of PCOS include:Oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea - irregular/few, or absent, menstrual periods; cycles that do occur may comprise heavy bleeding (check with a gynaecologist, since heavy bleeding is also an early warning sign of endometrial cancer, for which women with PCOS are at higher risk) Infertility, generally resulting from chronic anovulation (lack of ovulation) Elevated serum (blood) levels of androgens (male hormones), specifically testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), causing hirsutism and occasionally masculinization Central obesity - "apple-shaped" obesity centered around the lower half of the torso Androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness) Acne / oily skin / seborrhea Acanthosis nigricans (dark patches of skin, tan to dark brown/black) Acrochordons (skin tags) - tiny flaps of skin Prolonged periods of PMS-like symptoms (bloating, mood swings, pelvic pain, backaches) Sleep apnea Signs are:Multiple cysts on the ovaries. Sonographycally they may present as a "string of pearls". Enlarged ovaries, generally 1.5 to 3 times larger than normal, resulting from multiple cysts Thickened, smooth, pearl-white outer surface of ovary Chronic pelvic pain, possibly due to pelvic crowding from enlarged ovaries; however, the actual cause is not yet known The ratio of LH (Luteinizing hormone) to FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone) is 2:1 or more, particularly in the early phase of the menstrual cycle. Increased levels of testosterone. Deceased levels of sex hormone binding globulin. Hyperinsulinemia.
Alternative Health, Beauty, Cat Health, Dental Health, Dog Health, Fitness, Food, Gym, Health Care, Health Insurance, Health Man, Health News, Health Spa, Medicine, Mental Health, Nutrition, Pet Health, Products, Supplements, Womens HealthCopyright © 2006 Health.to | sitemap | resourcesView My Stats