SurrenderedCyster

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 31, 2006--Girls and women who workout frequently but still keep excessive weight around their midsection can become frustrated and confused. The answer may lie in hard-to-diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Millions of girls and women are definitely not enjoying their roller-coaster ride of doctor visits as they suffer from PCOS. Symptoms, which affect 5-10 percent of women of childbearing age, include:

-- Irregular periods
-- Midsection weight gain
-- Acne
-- Infertility
-- Excessive body hair
-- Type 2 diabetes
Fortunately, some OB/Gyns are using the VAP Cholesterol Test to identify the syndrome, stopping the suffering and investment in time and money often spent hunting for a diagnosis.
According to PCOS pioneer Dr. Steven Foley of Advanced Gynecology in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the VAP Test plays a role in the diagnosis of PCOS because, as an expanded cholesterol test, it measures a range of cholesterol subclasses not measured by the routine cholesterol test. These subclasses include HDL2 and HDL3.
"It can be difficult to determine in a 13-year-old patient whether she is just a bit overweight, suffering from premenarchel pudginess, or has PCOS," Foley said. "VAP Test results have shown a correlation between patients who have PCOS and low levels of HDL2."
Once PCOS is identified, a simple treatment plan can be started, including treatment of elevated insulin. Of critical importance to many women, infertility problems also can be addressed.
The VAP Test, a simple blood test that doesn't require fasting, is reimbursed by most insurance companies and Medicare. The test offers information on cholesterol subclasses that allows a true determination of people at risk for cardiovascular disease. The standard cholesterol test identifies only 40 percent of patients at risk.
The VAP Test recently went mainstream when Southern California-based Lindora Medical Clinics began using it exclusively to test cholesterol in patients enrolled in its innovative weight-loss program. In addition to a 90 percent accuracy rate, the VAP Test also identifies:
-- Asian Indians at risk for heart disease by measuring abnormal cholesterol risk factors missed by routine tests
-- Metabolic syndrome -- a dangerous precursor to diabetes and heart disease that affects about 44 percent of the U.S. population
The VAP Test is produced by Atherotech, based in Birmingham. The cholesterol test was named one of "five tests worth paying for" by The Wall Street Journal. In addition, Forbes.com selected the VAP Test as one of "ten ways to live longer." For more information, visit www.thevaptest.com.
Note to editors: For more information about PCOS and the VAP Test, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Foley or a PCOS patient, please contact Barbara Sullivan at 714/374-6174 or bsullivan@sullivanpr.com.