Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a primary hormonal imbalance observed in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
What is a primary hormonal imbalance observed in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
How does insulin resistance contribute to the symptoms of PCOS?
How does insulin resistance contribute to the symptoms of PCOS?
What is a common clinical manifestation of anovulation in women with PCOS?
What is a common clinical manifestation of anovulation in women with PCOS?
Which of the following contributes to the increased risk of endometrial cancer in women with PCOS?
Which of the following contributes to the increased risk of endometrial cancer in women with PCOS?
Signup and view all the answers
What effect does chronic low-grade inflammation have in PCOS?
What effect does chronic low-grade inflammation have in PCOS?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential consequence of the imbalance of gonadotropins in PCOS?
What is a potential consequence of the imbalance of gonadotropins in PCOS?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes the characteristic appearance of polycystic ovaries?
Which of the following best describes the characteristic appearance of polycystic ovaries?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a major contributing factor to obesity in women with PCOS?
What is a major contributing factor to obesity in women with PCOS?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age.
- Characterized by hormonal imbalances and metabolic disturbances.
- A key feature is hyperandrogenism, excessive androgen production by ovaries and adrenal glands.
- This leads to disrupted follicular development, anovulation (lack of ovulation), hirsutism (excessive hair growth), acne, and androgenic alopecia (hair loss).
- Imbalances in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) worsen androgen production, preventing proper follicular maturation.
- Multiple immature ovarian follicles are a result.
Insulin Resistance in PCOS
- Insulin resistance is a hallmark of PCOS.
- Body cells become less responsive to insulin.
- To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin (hyperinsulinemia).
- Hyperinsulinemia increases androgen production in ovaries.
- It also reduces sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, increasing free testosterone.
- Insulin resistance contributes to obesity, higher risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Inflammation and Ovarian Dysfunction
- PCOS is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation.
- Elevated inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein, interleukin-6) worsen insulin resistance and increase cardiovascular risk.
- Ovarian dysfunction in PCOS results in polycystic ovaries, filled with many small antral follicles.
- These follicles fail to develop into dominant follicles capable of ovulation.
- This disruption causes infertility and irregular menstrual cycles (oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea).
- Prolonged exposure of the endometrium to unopposed estrogen increases endometrial hyperplasia and cancer risk.
- Irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding are common.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) Axis Dysregulation
- Dysregulation of the HPO axis is central to PCOS.
- Promotes excessive LH secretion, inhibiting appropriate FSH stimulation.
- In some cases, altered adrenal function contributes to hyperandrogenism.
- Chronic low-grade inflammation and neuroendocrine dysregulation sustain metabolic and reproductive irregularities.
- These factors increase long-term risks like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and endometrial problems.
- Understanding the interlinked pathways is crucial for management and treatment.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers key aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), focusing on its hormonal imbalances and metabolic disturbances, particularly insulin resistance. Learn about the condition's impact on women's reproductive health and the symptoms associated with it, such as hirsutism and anovulation.
