An Overview of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disease of the female reproductive system, involving the development of multiple cysts covering the ovaries. PCOS impedes normal hormone function, as well as disrupt production processes. According to Esther Eisenberg, “Between 1 in 10 and 1 in 20 women of childbearing age have PCOS”. Signs of the disease begin to show during adolescents, or late into young adulthood/childbearing age. Some researchers believe that polycystic ovary syndrome can occur even before a woman has entered adolescents.

The etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome is unknown. Many different factors can lead to the development of PCOS:

1. Genetics

2. Abnormal fetal development

3. Excess of insulin

4. Low-grade inflammation

Some researchers believe that mutated genes are linked to PCOS. If your mother or sister has PCOS, there is a greater chance of you having the same disorder. Abnormal fetal development is caused by excessive exposure to androgens, permanently tampering normal gene expression. Exposure to androgens may lead to the male pattern of abdominal fat distribution, increasing the risk of insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation. Under normal circumstances, the pancreas produces insulin to change glucose into energy. However, with PCOS, the body’s white blood cells produce substances that can lead to insulin resistance. Thus, the pancreas must create more insulin to override the insulin resistance, causing a boost in androgen production by the ovaries. Eating certain foods can cause low-grade inflammation.

Carol Proth explains the development of the high androgens levels by the “increased release of LH [leutenizing hormone] in relation to FSH [follicle stimulating hormone] release, with a resu...

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...ects of ovarian drilling may only last a small amount of time and may increase the risk of scarring.

References

Eisenberg, E., M.D., M.P.H. (Ed.). (2012, July 6). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

fact sheet [Fact sheet]. Retrieved February 15, 2014, from Womenshealth.gov website: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html#a

Porth, C. M. (2011). Disorders of the Female Genitourinary

System. In C. M. Porth (Author), Essentials of Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States (3rd ed., pp. 1052-1053). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluewer, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Staff, M. C. (2011, August 4). Diseases and Conditions: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

(PCOS). Retrieved February 15, 2014, from Mayo Clinic website:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/basics/definition/con-20028841