HYPERANDROGENIC ANOVULATION (PCOS) 

DEFINITION OF PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterized by the accumulation ofnumerous cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on the ovaries associated with high male hormone levels,chronic anovulation (absent ovulation), and other metabolic disturbances. Classic symptoms include excess facial and body hair, acne, obesity, irregular menstrual cycles, and infertility.

DESCRIPTION FOR PCOS

WHO GETS POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME? (AGE AND SEX DISTRIBUTION)

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome affects females in their reproductive ages (between 12-45 years old). Typically, the signs and symptoms occur during the teenage years
• The condition is observed worldwide; all races and ethnicities are affected

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME?

The following are the risk factors for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:

• Obesity
• A family history of PCOS
• The use of the medication valproate, which is used for the treatment of seizure, is associated with an increased risk of PCOS

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME?

• The exact cause of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is still not well understood. It has a genetic association and runs in families
• In PCOS, sex hormone levels stay out of balance. The ovaries produce greater amounts of the male hormones (androgen), which in turn leads to the clinical manifestations such as acne, facial hair, and menstrual abnormalities with infrequent or prolonged periods
• Besides, the body is unable to make use of excess insulin and as a result, the blood sugar goes up leading to a diabetes-like state
• In this syndrome, the maturation and release of the egg from the ovary with each menstrual cycle is also disturbed, resulting in the development of numerous cysts on the surface of the ovaries (polycystic ovaries). This can lead to infertility

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME?

The classic signs and symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are:

• Excessive body hair on a woman, similar to that of a man (hirsutism)
• Increased weight or obesity
• Abnormal menstrual periods

Other symptoms of PCOS may include:

• Difficulty getting pregnant (infertility)
• Acne or oily skin
• Body becomes less responsive to the hormone insulin (termed insulin resistance)
• Abnormal cholesterol levels
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Baldness or thinning of hair
• Patches of darkened skin under the arms, in the groin area, or on the back of the neck (acanthosis nigricans)

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME.

Complications associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome include:

• Risk of heart diseases
• Uterine and breast cancer
• Development of diabetes
• Increased blood pressure
• Development of metabolic syndrome
• Infertility (inability to have children)

 

 

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