PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome) affects an estimated 1 in 10 women and puts them at risk for a number of health disorders and medical conditions. However, it is not widely known or well understood even within the medical community. Many women are suffering from problems such as excess body hair (hirsutism) and excess body fat around the waist area (truncal obesity), but they are not aware that their problems are caused by PCOS.
Awareness is the first step to diagnosing and managing the condition, and the PCOS Foundation and Amerejuve MedSpa invite Houston to join them at the Amerejuve PCOS Awareness 5k Fun Run and Walk on October 12th at the Houston Downtown Aquarium. Amerejuve and Amerefit offer services such as laser hair removal and personalized weight loss. These services can be useful to PCOS patients and boost their confidence while they undergo medical treatments.
“Lisa Benjamini and team at the PCOS Foundation have done an excellent job to raise awareness about this treatable condition that negatively affects millions of women,” said Vincent Chitolie, Chief Operating Officer of Amerejuve. “The Amerejuve team is pleased to partner with the PCOS Foundation in their cause.”
PCOS manifestations vary significantly from woman to woman, which adds to the difficulty of diagnosis. Multiple cysts or follicles on the ovaries are a primary symptom of the condition, as well as hormonal imbalances and irregular menstrual cycles. Other symptoms are varied and can include excess hair growth, weight gain, infertility, depression, anxiety, skin conditions, and others.
“PCOS patients who are suffering from excessive hair growth and weight gain are welcome to visit or call any Amerejuve and Amerefit clinics for help with these treatable symptoms,” said Chitolie.
PCOS has also been linked to increased risk of stroke, diabetes, and other life-threatening conditions. Diagnosis and treatment can help manage these risks, adding to the importance of accurate diagnosis.
Many women struggle with PCOS for years before receiving the official diagnosis, and they often feel confused and alone in the physical issues the condition can cause. A major part of the annual event is supporting women with PCOS and their family members and celebrating their successes in controlling the condition with medication, nutrition, and exercise.
The top female runner of the 2013 event, Yaixa Episcopo, was diagnosed with PCOS at age 19. She struggled for years with weight gain, infertility, and depression. At last year’s 5k, she was proud to report she’d lost 72 pounds over two years, and her two daughters were present to cheer her on and help carry her trophy.
“You’ll be amazed at how strong we are and how beautiful we are,” she said of women with PCOS.
That support is an important part of the event and the PCOS Foundation, President and Founder Lisa Benjamini-Allon said.
“We want to let women know they’re not alone. They’re somebody there for them,” she said.
To learn more about the PCOS Foundation or to register for the Amerejuve PCOS Awareness 5k Fun Run and Walk, visit www.thepcosfoundation.org.
