Since the symptoms of PCOS may vary from individual to individual, many women are unaware they have this disorder. For the most accurate diagnosis a physician familiar with PCOS or a specialist in endocrinology should be consulted. PCOS seems to become less common as women get older and is very uncommon after menopause. However, the consequences of insulin resistance, such as diabetes and the lipid abnormalities, persist after menopause. However, more study is needed in this area.
Hormones are proteins or steroids that are secreted directly into the blood stream.
These substances then regulate many of the body's normal, everyday functions, including metabolism of minerals, regulation of fluids, responses to stress, sexual function, reproduction, and pregnancy. Hormones are produced by the endocrine system, which is made up of glands such as the pituitary, hypothalamus, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal cortex and medulla, ovary and testis. The body is drastically affected when there are breakdowns or malfunctions in the hormonal process. The Hormone Foundation was established by The Endocrine Society in 1997 as its public outreach and education affiliate. It is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human disease in which hormones play a role.