Читать книгу The Ultimate PCOS Handbook - Theresa Cheung - Страница 30

Adolescence is a tough time for a girl regardless of whether she has PCOS or not. But for girls with PCOS, it can be even tougher. They can often feel isolated and confused. At an age when appearance seems to be everything, girls with PCOS lose a great deal of self-confidence when their symptoms start appearing. This is made worse because many girls feel they haven’t got anyone to talk or feel too embarrassed to seek help.

If you suspect your daughter might have PCOS, either because her symptoms are physically obvious or because you know her cycle is irregular, it’s very important that you find a doctor who knows about PCOS and can diagnose it.

Puberty may seem chaotic but it does follow an orderly process, and if events fall out of line questions should be asked. If there’s early hair growth, or no period 12 months after breast and pubic hair development, or excessive acne or abnormal hair growth, do make sure you seek help and advice. You should also consult your daughter’s doctor if six months after they start her periods are very frequent, excessive or far apart.

Do be aware that, even today with increased awareness of PCOS, some doctors pass off early signs as ‘typical’ teenage symptoms – hair growth, acne, mood swings are common to many teenagers, after all. If you’re concerned, seek a second or a third opinion – when a health-care provider takes the time to explain what PCOS is and offers treatment options, a young woman may feel relieved that at last there’s an explanation and treatment for her problems. And an early start with control measures can make a real difference to health, self-image and quality of life.

Many girls with PCOS tell us that talking with a counsellor about their concerns can be very helpful, as can joining a support group for girls who have PCOS. (See our recommended websites for great online links.)

Generally the tests for PCOS in teens are the same as those for women, as are the treatment options offered, such as the contraceptive pill and metformin. The lifestyle and self-help advice given in Part 2 of this book can be broadly applied to teens as well.