Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs.

Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type-2 diabetes and heart disease.

Risk Factors of PCOS

Factors that may increase your risk of PCOS include :

a) Excess Insulin

---> Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows cells to use sugar, your body's primary energy supply. If your cells become resistant to the action of insulin, then your blood sugar levels can rise and your body might produce more insulin. Excess insulin might increase androgen production, causing difficulty with ovulation.

b) Low grade inflammation

---> This term is used to describe white blood cells production of substances to fight infection. Research has shown that women with PCOS have a type of low-grade inflammation that stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens, which can lead to heart and blood vessel problems.

c) Heredity

---> Research suggests that certain genes might be linked to PCOS.

d) Excess androgen

---> The ovaries produce abnormally high levels of androgen, resulting in hirsutism and acne.

Complications of PCOS

Complications of PCOS may include :

a) Infertility

b) Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure

c) Miscarriage or premature birth

d) Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis - a severe liver inflammation caused by fat accumulation in the liver

e) Metabolic syndrome - a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels that significantly increase your risk of cardiovascular disease

f) Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes

g) Sleep apnea

h) Depression, anxiety and eating disorders

i) Abnormal uterine bleeding

j) Cancer of the uterine lining ( endometrial cancer)

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