Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an entirely different beast to endometriosis, but together, these two bad bitches have caused nothing but chaos in and around my reproductive system. I've shared a lot about endo so let's talk about the other piece of my health puzzle.
Like endo, the cause of PCOS is unknown, but experts agree that genetics and hormones play a role. There's often a family link - your mother, aunt or sister may also have it. This is definitely true in my case because, remember, Mum and both of my sisters also have PCOS.
PCOS gets its name from poly, which means 'many' in Latin; poly + cystic means 'many cysts'. The most common types of cysts are 'functional cysts'. These row inside the ovary, and there are two different kinds: the first is a follicle cyst. These fluid-filled sacs are actually follicles that each contain an egg, but unlike healthy eggs, these ones never mature enough to trigger ovulation.
The second type of functional cyst is a corpus luteum cyst. It's caused when a follicle opens to release the egg inside, but then seals up and fills with fluid instead. Sometimes, these functional cysts go away on their own, but they can also keep growing until the ovary ends up so swollen and painful that the cyst needs to be surgically removed.
Different types of cysts
Believe it or not, some PCOS sufferers never develop cysts (they are in the minority) but most do. I happen to be a champion cyst grower. In fact, doctors have told me they can't believe how fast I can grow these suckers. It's like a game of whack-a-mole' in there; they remove one cyst and another pops up days later. Here are a few other types of cysts - and these ones can develop in or on top of the ovaries.
Endometrioma - the blood-filled sacs we talked about - that are caused by endo.
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