PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women. It can cause a variety of symptoms including irregular or missed menstrual periods, excess hair growth on the face and body, acne, weight gain, and patches of thick, dark skin.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it often runs in families. It results from an imbalance of reproductive hormones - specifically, the ovaries produce more androgens (male hormones) than normal. These extra androgens disrupt ovulation and prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs regularly.
Some key facts about PCOS:
- It impacts 5-10% of women of childbearing age.
- The symptoms often start around the beginning of puberty. However, PCOS may be mild initially and worsen with age.
- Women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing other health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and endometrial cancer.
- While there's no cure yet, symptoms can be managed through medications like birth control pills, lifestyle changes, and treatments for infertility if desired.
To dig deeper -
what causes the hormonal imbalance underlying PCOS? Researchers don't fully understand the reasons, but contributing factors likely include:
- Genetics: Women with PCOS are more likely to have a mother or sister with PCOS. Certain gene mutations affect insulin regulation and androgen production.
- Insulin resistance: Up to 80% of women with PCOS have some insulin resistance, which amplifies the effect of luteinizing hormone (LH) on ovarian androgen production.
- Inflammation: Some evidence indicates that chronic low-grade inflammation exacerbates PCOS symptoms. Obesity also provokes inflammatory responses.
In summary, PCOS stems from intricate reproductive endocrine dynamics gone awry. Proper management can help affected women relieve troubling symptoms and reduce future health risks. While more research is still needed, recent advances in genetics and insulin signaling have brought better understanding about this complex disorder affecting millions of women.