BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ — Polycystic Ovarian
Syndrome, known as PCOS, is a silent and often mysterious disease
that plays havoc with a woman’s body and increases the risk of
serious illness.
PCOS is the number one cause of female infertility and increases
the risk of heart disease, insulin resistance, diabetes and certain
cancers. It is also the most common metabolic abnormality in women
of child bearing age, affecting 5 to 10 million women nationwide,
according to the American Association of Clinical
Endocrinologists. Yet, it is plagued by a lack of awareness and is
one of the most difficult diseases to diagnose.
There is no single test for diagnosing the illness, but a
detailed cholesterol profile called the VAP Cholesterol Test, along
with diet, exercise and the right medication, is changing how
doctors approach PCOS and is dramatically altering patients’ lives
for the better.
“The average patient sees five medical practitioners before
getting diagnosed,” said Steven Foley, M.D., a Colorado Springs,
Colo., gynecologist who specializes in the identification and
treatment of patients suffering from PCOS. “That’s because the
symptoms can vary from woman to woman. Early diagnosis is critical
not only in reducing the risk of more serious complications, but
because PCOS can be devastating for women physically and
emotionally.”
Women often spend a tremendous about of time and money searching
for answers to these unexplained symptoms and for a doctor who
understands the complexities of PCOS. Foley recently used the VAP
Test to help diagnose PCOS in a 24-year-old patient who was
struggling with weight gain, insulin resistance and high
cholesterol levels. The Colorado Springs woman faced the prospect
of early heart disease, diabetes and infertility unless her health
improved. Foley prescribed a healthy diet, regular exercise and a
diabetes medicine that helps to control her insulin and blood sugar
levels. He continues
‘/>”/>