Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the readily recognized endocrine gland illnesses with 1 in every 5 women India having it.
Women with PCOS have a much greater risk of developing cardiovascular diease, diabetes, endometrial cancer, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), dyslipidemia and other problems.
PCOS is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones that are usually present in women in small amounts. The name polycystic ovary syndrome describes the numerous small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that form in the ovaries. However, some women with this disorder do not have cysts, while some women without the disorder do develop cysts. Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from an ovary. This happens so it can be fertilized by a male sperm. If the egg is not fertilized, it is sent out of the body during your period.
In some cases, a woman doesn’t make enough of the hormones needed to ovulate. When ovulation doesn’t happen, the ovaries can develop many small cysts. These cysts make hormones called androgens. Women with PCOS often have high levels of androgens. This can cause more problems with a woman’s menstrual cycle. And it can cause many of the symptoms of PCOS.
The symptoms of PCOS may include:
- Missed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods.
- Ovaries that are large or have many cysts.
- Excess body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back (hirsutism).
- Weight gain, especially around the belly (abdomen).
- Acne or oily skin.
- Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair.
- Infertility.
- Small pieces of excess skin on the neck or armpits (skin tags).
- Dark or thick skin patches on the back of the neck, in the armpits, and under the breasts.
Affected women usually have significant insulin resistance (IR), which is a major cause of PCOS. An increase in insulin levels causes ovaries to make and release male hormones (androgens). Increased male hormones suppress ovulation and contribute to other symptoms of PCOS..