This web site includes an abundance of research and detailed information on Insulin Resistance, PCOS and the many related symptoms and health disorders. In order to provide you easy choices in learning about PCOS as it relates to teenage girls, we've provided "a Short Version" of the key information to help you more effectively control your PCOS. For those of you who wish to read more in depth information on PCOS and adolescents, please read "The Whole Story" below.

We have also included four boxes (links) that provide a pathway to easily navigate a few key pages on this site. Please choose whichever path is most useful to you.

Home Page

"The Short Version"

• PCOS is one of the most common disorders of the female endocrine system, effecting 5 to 10% of all women
• Also known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, PCOS is reported to be a growing problem with adolescent girls
• Teenagers may experience the full range of symptoms seen in more mature women including irregular or completely absent periods
• Insulin Resistance, an underlying factor in PCOS, may or may not be detectable in adolescents during the onset of PCOS symptoms
• Research is now showing that hormone imbalances caused by Insulin Resistance and PCOS predisposes women, including adolescent girls, to additional heath problems
• There is a safe, natural solution to reverse PCOS and related symptoms

Insulite provides a comprehensive, natural system to reverse insulin resistance and PCOS. It is the finest and most effective approach available to reverse the symptoms of PCOS, and it is completely safe and void of harmful side effects. Learn how - click the link above "How the System Works for You"

"The Whole Story"

If you are a teenager or parent of a teenager, understanding PCOS is important to your health and well being. PCOS, also known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is reported to be a growing problem with adolescent girls (1). It can be very difficult to diagnose PCOS in teenage girls as they often experience irregular or absent menses and acne (2). Insulin Resistance, an underlying cause of PCOS, may or may not be detectable in adolescents during the onset of PCOS symptoms. As a result, researchers report that Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is often missed in this age group (3). This causes great concern among clinicians due to the potentially serious complications associated with these conditions.

A Common Ovary Disease

It is widely accepted in medicine that PCOS is one of the most common reproductive endocrinological disorders in women (4). In a U.S. study, scientists reported that the prevalence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome may be as high as 11.2% in women of reproductive years (5). Of that group, adolescent girls make up a large part, perhaps as high as 50%.

Teenagers may experience the full range of PCOS symptoms often seen in more mature women including irregular or completely absent periods, heavier-than-normal menstrual bleeding, ovarian cysts,  hirsutism (excessive facial or body hair) and alopecia (male pattern baldness). Other symptoms range from acne, skin tags (growths on the skin) and brown skin patches to reduced sex drive, exhaustion or lack of mental alertness, depression and anxiety. Plus sleep apnea (trouble breathing during sleeping) and thyroid problems.

In addition, as seen in their mature counter-parts, teens who are overweight are increasingly being linked with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. While the pattern of irregular menses is often the first sign of PCOS in teens, obesity, hirsutism and other symptoms can soon develop. While young girls may have any or all of the above symptoms, it is possible for just one of the symptoms to be present leading to the suspicion and diagnosis of PCOS in adolescents (2).

Insulin Resistance Underlies PCOS

It is accepted that an underlying cause of PCOS is Insulin Resistance. This may be detected in adolescent girls with proper testing, but researchers and clinicians alike admit that it is often difficult to detect Insulin Resistance at a young age even with appropriate testing. Instead of relying on Insulin Resistance, clinicians are now looking very closely at the clinical picture (the symptoms that are present), weight and family history in making the diagnosis of PCOS in teenagers.

If Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and therefore Insulin Resistance are missed, many serious complications can develop as the adolescent matures. Some of these problems include heart disease, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. But with the proper treatment, Insulin Resistance and PCOS can be reversed.

A Multi-faceted Approach for PCOS and Insulin Resistance

At the present time, there is no single pill that will cure Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, but there are ways to address Insulin Resistance.

The Insulite PCOS System consists of several elements, all designed to work together to address both PCOS and Insulin Resistance. The System is comprised of nutraceuticals (vitamins, minerals and herbs that are disease specific), diet and exercise guidelines and customer support which research shows to be essential for any lifestyle change.

The supplements of the Insulite PCOS System are designed to improve insulin sensitivity, help you lose weight, reduce the symptoms of PCOS, correct your hormonal imbalance and help manage the deleterious consequences of having elevated insulin. With a modified dosing schedule, girls as young as 12 can use Insulite PCOS.

Home Page

• What tests can I have to determine if I have PCOS?
  
• How does the Insulite PCOS System help women with PCOS?
  
• Can my teenager take the Insulite PCOS products and safely follow the program?

(1) Growth and Development - Rogol, A.D., M.D., PhD, Current Opinion in Endocrinology and Diabetes, 2002. 9(1): p. 11-12

(2) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescence - Driscoll, D.A., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 2003. 997: p. 49-55.

(3) Polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents: is there an epidemic?
- Arslanian, S., M.D. and S.F. Witchel, M.D., Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes. 9(1):32-42, February 2002.

(4) Endocrine and metabolic changes in women with polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome
- Koivunen, R.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology., University of Oulu: Finland.

(5) Prevalence of the polycystic ovary syndrome in unselected black and white women of the southeastern United States: a prospective study
- Knochenhauer, E., et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 1998. 83(9): p. 3078-3082.

Click here to read the PCOS Glossary