Polycystic ovarian syndrome or “PCOS” is a loosely used term with a variety of interpretations. In this article, I will try to break it down and simplify the understanding of the signs, symptoms and management options of PCOS or the “metabolic syndrome”.
Q: What is Metabolic Syndrome and how do I know I have it?
The metabolic syndrome is a group of characteristics. You do not need to have all of the characteristics to have it. However, a person with one characteristic is more likely to have others. Most expert groups define metabolic syndrome as the presence of three or more of the following characteristics in a person:
- Obesity, especially in the abdominal area (defined by some groups as a waist size greater than 94 to 102 cm (38 to 41 in) in men or greater than 80 cm (32 in) in women)
- Impaired fasting glucose (fasting blood sugar