Battling PCOS: Erlinda Cisneros' Story

La Puente - A hormone disorder called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is a medical, emotional and cosmetic nightmare.

Last summer we brought you the story of Erlinda Cisneros of La Puente. Since early adolsecence Erlinda has suffered with PCOS.

PCOS is an inherited hormone disorder, caracterized by ovarian cysts, that can trigger a cascade of health problems including obesity, diabetes, infertility and unwanted facial hair.

Cisneros revealed how going public impacted her family and how six months of treatment impacted her symptoms.

Erlinda says she is finally at peace with who she is and how she looks.

Erlinda:
"I don't feel now that when someone looks at me they're gonna think i'm a man."

Erlinda says her next challenge is getting the extra weight off. The first step is a complete hormone work-up and treatment for imbalances. Beyond that a better diet and getting regular exercise top Erlinda's list of New Year's resolutions.

More Info:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Is a hormone disorder that affects one in ten women of child bearing age. It is often associated with weight gain, cysts on the ovaries, insensitivity to insulin, overproduction of testosterone and unwanted facial hair growth.

*Dr. Susan Evans will be treating Erlinda Cisneros with laser hair removal for the next few months. we will report the results. For more on Dr. Evans visit her Web site: www.cosmeticphysiciansofbeverlyhills.com/skin-care_botox-_Restlane_Beverly-Hills-Dr-90210/

*You can reach out to Erlinda directly on twitter. Her Twitter I.D. is Erlindacisneros

*Reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Ricardo Azziz at Cedars Sinai Medical Center is currently recruiting women who think they may have PCOS for free testing at the Center for Androgen-Related Research and Discovery. To learn more go to http://www.csmc.edu/5535.html

For more on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, check out frequently asked questions here:
http://www.csmc.edu/5538.html

And for more on Dr. Azziz, take a look at this:
http://www.csmc.edu/5535.html

*Terri Graham is a physiologist and PCOS sufferer who works with adolescents with PCOS on their weight and body image issues. Check out her site at www.themtc3.com