Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Causes & Symptoms
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS is commonly an endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. PCOS is also a common but treatable cause of infertility. It is majorly due to the hormonal imbalance which causes problem in the ovaries. Generally the ovaries produce eggs that are released every month alternately resulting in a healthy menstrual cycle. But in the females with PCOS the egg development is not normal. It is not released during ovulation as it should be. It causes missed or irregular menstrual cycle.
The irregularity in menstrual cycle leads to infertility or development of cysts in the ovaries. Who all are at risk? Women in their child bearing age (15-44) can have PCOS. Mostly women in their 20s & 30s have diagnosed with PCOS. Women of all races or ethnicity can undergo this. If you are obese or have a family history of PCOS your risk is much higher than others. The diagnosis of PCOS is based on three findings. They are No Ovulation, High Androgen Levels, and multiple small follicles on ultrasound.. What are the major causes of PCOS? Both genetic and environmental factors can cause this syndrome.
If you have a family history of your mother, grandmother or so got this syndrome, you are more likely to have this syndrome. High levels of Androgens. Although in women the amount of androgens made is very less. In the women with PCOS androgen are more than estrogens creating the hormonal imbalance. This imbalance affects the ovulation during the menstrual cycle. It causes irregular or NO menstrual cycle. High levels of insulin.
When to get alert about PCOS?
When you miss menstrual cycle, get menstrual cycle more often than the normal cycle or stop having menstrual cycle. When you see unusual hair growth on your face. This unusual symptom is called hirsutism which affects almost 70% of women with PCOS. When you see acnes on face, chest or upper back. When you notice abnormal hair thinning or hair loss on the scalp. When you see skin darkening especially at the neck creases, in the groin or underneath breast.
It is found that women with PCOS have higher rates of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and C-section due to complications during delivery, endometrial hypoplasia, endrometrial cancer. With proper consultation with fertility & gynae experts in Delhi, PCOS is treatable and women with this syndrome can conceive after the treatment.