Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Although the cause of PCOS is not known, it appears that PCOS may be related to many different factors working together, including insulin resistance, increased levels of hormones called androgens, and an irregular menstrual cycle.
Abstract
What are common signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Common PCOS signs and symptoms include the following: v Irregular menstrual periods—Menstrual disorders can include absent periods, periods that occur infrequently or too frequently, heavy periods, or unpredictable periods. v Infertility—PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility. v Obesity—Up to 80% of women with PCOS are obese. v Excess hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, or upper thighs—This condition, called hirsutism, affects more than 70% of women with PCOS. v Severe acne or acne that occurs after adolescence and does not respond to usual treatments v Oily skin v Patches of thickened, velvety, darkened skin called acanthosis nigricans v Multiple small cysts on the ovaries What causes PCOS? Although the cause of PCOS is not known, it appears that PCOS may be related to many different factors working together. These factors include • insulin resistance, • increased levels of hormones called androgens, • an irregular menstrual cycle. What is insulin resistance? Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body’s cells do not respond to the effects of insulin. When the body does not respond to insulin, • the level of glucose in the blood increases. • This may cause more insulin to be produced as the body tries to move glucose into cells. • Insulin resistance can lead to diabetes mellitus. • It also is associated with acanthosis nigricans. 301.681.3400