What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | Dr Rama Sofat Hospital

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | Dr Rama Sofat Hospital

Polycystic ovary syndrome, widely known as PCOS, is an endocrine system disorder that affects women in their reproductive years. Small fluid-filled sacs develop on the ovaries.

It is also known as or Stein-Leventhal syndrome.

Symptoms include changes to the menstrual cycle and excess hair growth. Untreated, it can lead to infertility and other complications. The exact cause is unknown.

Early diagnosis and treatment are recommended. Weight loss may also decrease the risk of associated health risks, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Fast facts on PCOS

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders affecting 8-20 percent of women, many of whom do not have a diagnosis.

PCOS is linked to the development of other medical conditions, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

More than half of women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes before the age of 40 years.

Around 70 percent of ovulatory fertility issues are related to PCOS.

What is PCOS?

Most women with PCOS grow a number of small cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, on their ovaries. The cysts are not harmful, but they can lead to an imbalance in hormone levels.

Women with PCOS may also experience menstrual cycle abnormalities, increased androgen (sex hormone) levels, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity.

Risk factors

PCOS is thought to have a genetic component. People who have a mother or sister with PCOS are more likely to develop PCOS than someone whose relatives do not have the condition. This family link is the main risk factor.

Sugar is the body's primary source of energy, and it is regulated in the body by insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas. A person with insulin resistance is unable to use insulin efficiently. This causes the pancreas to go into overdrive secreting additional insulin to meet the body's glucose needs.