PCOS of You: How PCOS Causes
Dr Saunders OBGYN 48 North 1100 East, Suite A American Fork, UT 84003 (801) 692-1429
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. The medical condition is the primary cause of female infertility, as it triggers an increased production of androgens, which causes irregular ovulation. Statistics show that 5-10% of women of childbearing age (20-40 years old) in America suffer from PCOS. In the US, 1 in 40 or 6.8 million women manifest PCOS symptoms. Experts add that 75% of women with anovulation, a common PCOS complication, experience infertility.
Excessive Production of Male Hormones Androgens are sometimes referred to as “male hormones”. These hormones are the ones primarily responsible for physical changes such as hair growth and muscle mass. In women, androgens are important to make the “female hormone”, estrogen. But when hormone levels reach a “high normal” range, experts say that this leads to irregular or lack of ovulation. This problem manifests in irregular or absent menstrual periods. As excessive production of androgens cause ovulation issues, patients with PCOS face challenges when it comes to getting pregnant. Risks Associated with the Disorder Women with PCOS are prone to developing cardiovascular diseases, endometrial cancer or diabetes. Statistics show that in the US, 80% of PCOS patients are overweight and obese. Further studies say that 10% of women with PCOS have type 2 diabetes. Factors such as aging, hereditary influences, pregnancy, drugs or lifestyle make patients resistant to insulin. Experts say that the increased risk of insulin resistance aggravates PCOS symptoms, like acne, hyperandrogenism, hirsutism, and infertility. Treatment for PCOS Even though PCOS causes infertility, advancements in medicine have made various treatment options available for PCOS patients who are trying to get pregnant. Pregnancy doctors recommend taking some fertility drugs, such as clomiphene and gonadotropins. There are also those who prescribe the insulinsensitizing drug metformin, which helps in the ovulation process. Studies show that approximately 70 to 90% of PCOS patients who take fertility drugs are successful in ovulating and conceiving.
PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. Although the condition affects the woman’s ability to conceive, advancements in medicine provide various treatment options for women who are trying to get pregnant. SOURCES: http://www.drsaundersobgyn.com/obstetric-gynecological-services/infertility-and-otherreproduction-care/ http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/women/polycystic-ovariansyndrome.html http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2861983/