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The Harmon Diabetes Center’s main location is on the campus of Research Medical Center at 2188 East Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64132
Phone: 816-276-9410
Fax: 816-523-3693
A satellite office is located on the campus of Menorah Medical Center, Building II at 12140 Nall, Overland Park, KS 66209
Map: Meyer Blvd. location
Map: Nall location |
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PCOS
What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic (pah-lee-SIS-tik) ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that can affect a woman's menstrual cycle, ability to have children, hormones, heart, blood vessels, and appearance.
Women with PCOS typically have:
- high levels of androgens (AN-druh-junz); these are sometimes called male hormones, although females also make them,
- missed or irregular periods,
- many small cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, in their ovaries.
What causes polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
The cause of PCOS is unknown. Most researchers think that more than one factor could play a role in developing PCOS. Genes are thought to be one factor. Women with PCOS tend to have a mother or sister with PCOS. Researchers also think insulin could be linked to PCOS. Insulin is a hormone that controls the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body to use or store. For many women with PCOS, their bodies have problems using insulin so there is a buildup of too much insulin in the body. Excess insulin appears to increase production of androgen. This hormone is made in fat cells, the ovaries, and the adrenal gland. Levels of androgen that are higher than normal can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and problems with ovulation.
Source: WomensHealth.gov
Additional PCOS informational links:
http://women.webmd.com/tc/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-topic-overview
http://www.medicinenet.com/polycystic_ovary/article.htm
Back to Diabetes Conditions
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