Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS (aka Stein-Leventhal disease), is

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS (aka Stein-Leventhal disease), is a condition that affects between 6% and 20% of women in the United States. It is a little understood syndrome that often goes undetected and is frequently misdiagnosed. PCOS produces tiny cysts on the surface of a woman’s ovaries. These cysts are undeveloped follicles (eggs) that inexplicably fail to release through the ovarian wall as part of the menstrual cycle. Some researchers believe the eggs fail to release from the ovary because of the presence of male hormones in the blood. However, new research is indicating that PCOS is related to insulin resistance. Unfortunately, the cysts themselves are only a small part of this syndrome.

PCOS can present a variety of symptoms, including hair growth on the face and chest, stubborn acne, hair loss, obesity, irregular menses, infertility, and an increased risk of diabetes. Many of these symptoms impact a woman’s physical appearance and her self-esteem. If left untreated, women suffering from PCOS may experience greater levels of stress and depression. A woman exhibiting any of these symptoms should contact her physician to determine if she has PCOS. Although there is no cure for PCOS, a number of different treatments can stop or reverse many of the symptoms.

1. According to the passage, many women who have PCOS

a. are unable to have children.
b. have an excess of male hormones in their blood.
c. overreact to the symptoms.
d. cannot afford proper treatment.
e. do not even know they have the disease.


2. The passage suggests that the most damaging aspect of misdiagnosed or untreated PCOS is often

a. infertility caused by the cysts.
b. health problems caused by weight gain.
c. psychological ailments, including anxiety and depression.
d. skin rashes and acne.
e. the sudden onset of diabetes.


3. The author implies that PCOS is often misdiagnosed because

a. doctors often ignore the symptoms.
b. many symptoms could be symptomatic of many other illnesses.
c. insufficient attention is given to women’s healthcare issues.
d. the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of diabetes.
e. doctors believe the symptoms are psychosomatic.