What is PCOS?

Overview:

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs.

The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. 

Symptoms 

Signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome often develop around the time of the first menstrual period during puberty. Sometimes polycystic ovary syndrome develops later, for example, in response to substantial weight gain. 

Signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome vary. A diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome is made when you experience at least two of these signs: 

• Irregular periods. Infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles are the most common sign of polycystic ovary syndrome. For example, you might have fewer than nine periods a year, more than 35 days between periods and abnormally heavy periods. 
• Excess androgen. Elevated levels of male hormones may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), and occasionally severe acne and male-pattern baldness. 
• Polycystic ovaries. Your ovaries might be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs. As a result, the ovaries might fail to function regularly. 

Polycystic ovary syndrome signs and symptoms are typically more severe if you're obese. 

Causes 

The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome isn't known. Factors that might play a role include: 

• Excess insulin. Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows cells to use sugar, your body's primary energy supply. If your cells become resistant to the action of insulin, then your blood sugar levels can rise and your body might produce more insulin. Excess insulin might increase androgen production, causing difficulty with ovulation. 
• Low-grade inflammation. This term is used to describe white blood cells' production of substances to fight infection. Research has shown that women with polycystic ovary syndrome have a type of low-grade inflammation that stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens, which can lead to heart and blood vessel problems. 
• Heredity. Research suggests that certain genes might be linked to polycystic ovary syndrome. 
• Excess androgen. The ovaries produce abnormally high levels of androgen, resulting in hirsutism and acne. 

Complications.       

 Complications of polycystic ovary syndrome can include: 

• Infertility 
• Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure 
• Miscarriage or premature birth 
• A severe liver inflammation caused by fat accumulation in the liver 
• Metabolic syndrome. A cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels that significantly increase your risk of cardiovascular disease  
• Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes 
• Sleep apnea 
• Depression, anxiety and eating disorders 
• Abnormal uterine bleeding 
• Cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer) 

Obesity is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and can worsen complications of the disorder. 

When to see a doctor 

See your doctor if you have concerns about your menstrual periods, if you're experiencing infertility or if you have signs of excess androgen such as worsening hirsutism, acne and male-pattern baldness. 

What Do Hormones Have to Do With Polycystic ovary syndrome? 

When you have polycystic ovary syndrome, your reproductive hormones are out of balance. This can lead to problems with your ovaries, such as not having your period on time or not getting it. 

Your body makes hormones to make different things happen. Some affect your menstrual cycle and are tied to your ability to have a baby. The hormones that play a role in polycystic ovary syndrome include: 

• Androgens. They’re often called male hormones, but women have them, too. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to have higher levels. 
• Insulin. This hormone manages your blood sugar. If you have polycystic ovary syndrome, your body might not react to insulin the way it should. 
• Progesterone. With polycystic ovary syndrome, your body may not have enough of this hormone. You might miss your periods for a long time or have trouble predicting when they’ll come.