PCOS
What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects female fertility and is often diagnosed during adolescence or early adulthood. It is characterized by an overproduction of androgens by the ovaries, leading to hyperandrogenism, disrupted ovulation, possible cyst formation, and infertility. Individuals with PCOS typically have insulin resistance, which causes the pancreas to produce excess insulin and contributes to increased ovarian androgen production. Some patients may also have glucose dysregulation, including hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Symptoms of elevated androgens may include excess facial or body hair growth, acne, weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, and infertility due to lack of ovulation. Some individuals may present with only a few or even none of these symptoms; however, the presence of irregular periods along with evidence of hyperandrogenism can strongly suggest a diagnosis of PCOS. It is also important to note that, despite its name, not all individuals with PCOS will have cysts on their ovaries.
Is PCOS an Endocrine Disorder?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is a complex condition with a strong genetic component, characterized by hormonal imbalances, particularly relatively elevated androgen levels and insulin resistance. Estrogen and progesterone levels may also be altered, but androgen levels may be above normal ranges. These imbalances lead to a variety of symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, excess facial or body hair growth, worsening insulin resistance, glucose abnormalities, acanthosis nigricans (dark, velvety patches of skin often found in body folds such as the neck and axilla), abnormal weight gain, and, in some cases, ovarian cysts detected by ultrasound.
PCOS can affect multiple systems in the body, including the ovaries, adrenal glands, and the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) axis. Because the endocrine system regulates hormone production and balance throughout the body, it plays a central role in both the development and clinical manifestations of PCOS. For this reason, PCOS is classified as an endocrine disorder and is often managed by endocrinologists and other healthcare professionals specializing in hormonal conditions
What Are The Causes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and metabolic factors. Many individuals with PCOS have a genetic predisposition to insulin resistance, which causes the body to produce higher levels of insulin. Relatively higher insulin levels can stimulate the ovaries to produce excess androgens, hormones that are normally present in smaller amounts in women compared to men. Increased androgen levels can interfere with normal ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and contribute to the formation of small ovarian cysts, among other symptoms.
PCOS often runs in families, further supporting a genetic component. Lifestyle factors such as a diet high in processed foods, excess caloric intake, excess carbohydrate intake, weight gain, and limited physical activity may worsen insulin resistance and contribute to the development or severity of PCOS, although they are not the sole cause of the condition.
How Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosed?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is diagnosed through a process of exclusion, meaning that other conditions with similar symptoms must first be ruled out. These include disorders that can cause abnormal menstrual cycles or signs of hyperandrogenism, such as thyroid disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, elevated prolactin levels, and androgen-secreting tumors.
The diagnostic process begins with a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Blood tests typically assess hormone levels such as androgens, thyroid hormones, and pituitary hormones like prolactin, LH and FSH, along with other relevant markers. Only after these alternative causes are excluded can a diagnosis of PCOS be confidently established.
How Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Treated?
atment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) focuses on managing symptoms, improving metabolic health, and reducing long-term health risks. A cornerstone of therapy is adopting the “Four Pillars” of a healthy lifestyle, which include a balanced diet that limits excess calorie and carbohydrate intake, a combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress through adequate sleep and stress-management strategies.
When lifestyle measures alone are not sufficient, medications may also be prescribed to help regulate menstrual cycles, improve insulin sensitivity, manage androgen-related symptoms, reduce weight, or support fertility, depending on the individual’s goals and clinical presentation.
What Are The Risks Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome If Left Untreated?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can have significant long-term health consequences if left untreated. Individuals with PCOS have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and possibly cardiovascular disease. Prolonged irregular or absent menstrual cycles may also increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer.
PCOS can also affect emotional well-being, and many individuals experience higher rates of anxiety and depression related to the physical, hormonal, and fertility-related challenges associated with the condition. For this reason, anyone experiencing symptoms such as excess hair growth, persistent or treatment-resistant acne, irregular menstrual cycles, or unexplained weight gain should undergo a thorough evaluation and take this condition seriously.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects female fertility and is often diagnosed during adolescence or early adulthood. It is characterized by an overproduction of androgens by the ovaries, leading to hyperandrogenism, disrupted ovulation, possible cyst formation, and infertility. Individuals with PCOS typically have insulin resistance, which causes the pancreas to produce excess insulin and contributes to increased ovarian androgen production. Some patients may also have glucose dysregulation, including hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Symptoms of elevated androgens may include excess facial or body hair growth, acne, weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, and infertility due to lack of ovulation. Some individuals may present with only a few or even none of these symptoms; however, the presence of irregular periods along with evidence of hyperandrogenism can strongly suggest a diagnosis of PCOS. It is also important to note that, despite its name, not all individuals with PCOS will have cysts on their ovaries.
