A nutrition lesson gives 17-year-old Maria Benoy a healthy start on the rest of her life.

"I didn't really have much of a weight problem until I was 10 or 11," said Maria.

In her mid-teens, Maria put on a fast 40 pounds.

"I just felt that this was how it was going to be for the rest of my life," she said.

But there was more to the story. Two years ago, Maria was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a hormonal disease that's often not diagnosed until women are well into their twenties.

"There is a definite risk of ignoring the symptoms and making the disease worse over the long term," said Dr. Kathleen Hoegoer, and endocrinologist.

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READ: Early Treatment For PCOS

PCOS is characterized by an over-production of male hormones in women, and by high insulin levels. Weight gain, hair growth and acne are early signs. It raises the risk of heart disease, infertility, and diabetes.

"You cannot erase the fact that you have this tendency towards PCOS, but you can control the symptoms and maybe make no consequences for you across your lifetime," said Dr. Hoegoer.

Dr. Hoeger hopes diagnosing and treating girls in their teens will make a real difference. In her study, girls get a hormonal treatment and learn the importance of healthy eating and exercise.

Dr. Hoeger said, "Many of the girls have lost a fair amount of weight, certainly more than the goal we set for them of 5 percent."

Maria has lost 40 pounds.

"Not many people are given the opportunity to fix this at such a young age, so I really feel lucky," said Maria.

A pelvic ultrasound can be used to confirm a diagnosis of PCOS. And in treatment, weight loss is key. Research shows losing just five-percent of excess body weight can improve fertility.