POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS)

2. What causes polycystic ovarian disease?

What is Polycystic ovarian Disease?
What causes PCOS?
What are some symptoms of PCOS?
What are the hormone changes in PCOS and their implications to the woman’s health?
How is PCOS diagnosed? What tests are done?
When should I become alert about myself or someone I care for, about PCOS?
How is PCOS treated?
Will PCOS affect pregnancy?
Does PCOS put women at risk for other health problems?
What can I do to prevent complications?
Emotional aspects of PCOS

What causes PCOS?

The ovaries, where a woman’s eggs are produced, have tiny fluid-filled sacs called follicles or cysts. As the egg grows, the follicle builds up fluid. When the egg matures, the follicle breaks open, the egg is released, and the egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus (womb) for fertilization. This is called ovulation.

In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn't make all of the hormones it needs for an egg to fully mature. The follicles may start to grow and build up fluid but ovulation does not occur. Instead, some follicles may remain as cysts. For these reasons, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made. Without progesterone, a woman's menstrual cycle is irregular or absent. Plus, the ovaries make male hormones, which also prevent ovulation.

However, the underlying cause of PCOS is not yet established. Researchers think that multiple factors are involved including genetic factors. Usually women with PCOS have a family history - a mother or a sister with PCOS. A main underlying factor is a hormone imbalance. In women with PCOS, the ovaries make more androgens than normal. Androgens are male hormones that females also make. High levels of these hormones affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation.

Researchers also think insulin may be linked to PCOS. Insulin is a hormone that controls the transformation of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body to use or store. Many women with PCOS have too much insulin in their bodies because they have problems using it. Excess insulin appears to increase production of androgen.

 Next: 3. What are some symptoms of PCOS?

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