The many cysts in a polycystic ovary are eggs that have matured but, due to abnormal hormone levels, were never released. In a normal ovary, a single egg develops and is released each month. While the reproductive system is greatly affected, PCOS affects more than the reproductive system. If affects the entire body as it wreaks havoc on hormones and causes physical and phycological damage. The disorder is probably the most common hormonal abnormality in women of reproductive age and certainly is a leading cause of infertility.
Most women are ashamed to talk about their symptoms.
But not Childers. In fact, she just returned from an international PCOS conference in San Diego, Calif., where she was a presenter on support group development. People wanted to know how to start a support group, so I had prepared a handbook, 'Chapters by Childers,' that I gave out at the conference. I tell women with PCOS to partner with the medical community. The medical community more than values her opinion, it honors it.