Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disease that affects many aspects of a woman’s health, most notably menstruation and metabolism. There are several signs that a woman may have PCOS that include missed periods, pelvic pain, high glucose or insulin levels, excess weight gain, and fatigue. One of the primary reasons that PCOS is so often misdiagnosed is that the symptoms can mimic other illnesses such as fibroids. Because those with PCOS often have hormonal imbalances, medical professionals will usually run blood tests, discuss patient history, and conduct an ultrasound on the patient’s ovaries. PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the periphery. The cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome isn’t well understood but may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Menstrual irregularities, excessive hair growth, acne, and obesity are all symptoms. Treatments include birth control pills to regularize periods, a medication called metformin to prevent diabetes, statins to control high cholesterol, hormones to increase fertility, and procedures to remove excess hair.
Women who suffer from PCOS are disproportionally impacted by infertility. Additionally, women with a history of this illness that has gone undiagnosed may experience extreme symptoms. Diagnosing a disease like PCOS may require a doctor to work through a series of potential scenarios before arriving at the right diagnosis, but in some cases, a doctor’s failure to diagnose may be negligent. One difference between the two from a legal standpoint is whether a person received a reasonable standard of care based on what other doctors would have done in similar circumstances. People who feel that their misdiagnosis constitutes medical malpractice might want to begin by discussing the situation with an attorney to see if the right elements and evidence may be in place to build a strong case. For a successful lawsuit, the injured party must also demonstrate they were harmed by the doctor’s medical negligence. If your PCOS has been misdiagnosed, you should consider consulting with a medical malpractice attorney. They will be in the best position to help you get compensated for your losses along with the proper treatment you need. Gather your medical records and information about your doctor’s appointments before meeting with an attorney. This will assist your attorney in better assessing your situation and advising you on the next steps in your claim. Our highly experienced medical malpractice attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano may be able to assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve. We serve clients throughout Upstate New York and have offices in several convenient locations. Our extensive experience in the field of medical malpractice is reflected in the results we have obtained for our clients.
PCOS affects approximately 12% of women. It can be difficult to detect in teens because some of its symptoms, including irregular menstruation, are also normal occurrences in puberty. Researchers say that an earlier and more accurate diagnosis means that the disease could be managed more effectively. Doctors are sometimes hesitant to treat teens for PCOS when they cannot get a definite diagnosis.
PCOS can cause type 2 diabetes and fertility issues, but medication and counseling can help, according to researchers. PCOS has no cure, and its cause is unknown.
Symptoms of PCOS often start around the time of the first menstrual period. Sometimes symptoms develop later after you have had periods for a while. The symptoms of PCOS vary. When you have at least two of these symptoms, you have PCOS.
- Irregular periods. Having few menstrual periods or periods that aren’t regular are common signs of PCOS. Periods that last several days or longer than usual are also unusual. You may also have difficulty getting pregnant.
- Excessive androgen. High levels of the hormone androgen may result in excess facial and body hair. This is known as hirsutism. Severe acne and male-pattern baldness can also occur.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome. Your ovaries might be bigger. Many follicles containing immature eggs may form around the ovary’s edge. The ovaries may not function properly.
- PCOS signs and symptoms are typically more severe in people with obesity.
Complications of PCOS can include:
- Infertility • Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure • Miscarriage or premature birth • Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis — a severe liver inflammation caused by fat buildup in the liver • Metabolic syndrome — a group of conditions characterized by high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol or triglyceride levels that significantly increase your risk of heart and blood vessel disease.
If polycystic ovary syndrome is left untreated, the syndrome may lead to serious, life-threatening illnesses such as cardiovascular and heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and uterine and endometrial cancers.
If you or someone you love was injured due to a healthcare professional’s failure to diagnose and treat PCOS, our office may be able to help. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, we represent injured clients and their families throughout Upstate New York, including Syracuse, Rochester, Albany, Buffalo, Elmira, Binghamton, Auburn, Ithaca, Oswego, Norwich, Herkimer, Delhi, Cooperstown, Cortland, Lowville, Oneida, Watertown, Utica, Canandaigua, Wampsville, Lyons, and surrounding areas. Please call us at 833-200-2000 or contact us via our online form to discuss your case.