What causes PCOS?
The exact cause of pcos is unknown, but there do seem to be connections with family history and genetics; hormones that are increased during our development in the womb before birth; and lifestyle or environment.
Family history
So far, no single gene has been found to cause pcos, so the link is likely to be complex and involve multiple genes.
Women with this disease are 50% more likely to have an immediate female relative – mother, aunt, sister or daughter – with PCOS. Type 2 diabetes is also common in families of those with pcos.
Hormone levels
An imbalance in the body of the hormones insulin and androgens (male-type hormones, such as testosterone) causes the symptoms and signs of this disease.
One of the roles of insulin in the body is to keep levels of glucose (sugar or energy) in the blood from rising too high after eating. It does this by ‘unlocking’ the body’s cells and allowing glucose to pass from the blood into the cells. This brings down the levels of glucose in the blood.
Insulin resistance
Around 85% of all women with this disease have ‘insulin resistance’.[1] If you are insulin resistant, your body’s cells stop responding normally to insulin, and instead block the entry of glucose into the cells. This means your body doesn’t use the available insulin effectively to help keep your glucose levels stable.
Because the insulin is not working effectively, the body reacts by producing more insulin. Higher levels of insulin increases the production of androgens, such as testosterone, in the ovaries.
Insulin resistance is caused in part by lifestyle factors – including being overweight, because of diet or physical inactivity. But insulin resistance can also be caused by genetic factors and can occur in women of all weight ranges. Evidence shows that in women with PCOS, about 95% of those with unhealthy weight and about 75% of those who are lean, have insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance plays a large role in the symptoms of Pcos, so it is important to understand what it is. But it is also important to know that there are ways to reduce it.
Regular activity and healthy eating are very important in managing and reducing insulin resistance and can greatly improve the symptoms of Pcos.
Androgens
Androgens, sometimes known as ‘male hormones’, are normally present in both men and women, but at much lower levels in women. All women produce small amounts of androgens in body tissues, including in the ovaries and the adrenal glands. Increased levels of androgens in women with this cause symptoms such as excessive body hair growth, scalp hair loss and acne. They also contribute to symptoms such as irregular periods and irregular ovulation.
Weight and lifestyle
it can also occur in thin and overweight women. However, women with this disease are more likely to be overweight or obese.
Being over a healthy weight can further worsen insulin resistance, which is thought to be an important part of Pcos development and it symptoms. Being overweight raises two hormones that cause its symptoms.
GOOD NEWS:
The good news is that a healthy lifestyle with nutrition and physical activity can help treat PCOS and improve symptoms.
Support is available to assist you in making lifestyle changes that will benefit your overall health, including the many symptoms of PCOS. See our page on Healthy Living for more information.
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