Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which hormone levels are commonly raised in women with PCOS?
Which hormone levels are commonly raised in women with PCOS?
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Luteinising Hormone (LH) (correct)
- Prolactin
- Estrogen
What is a significant cause of hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS?
What is a significant cause of hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS?
- High levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Insulin resistance (correct)
- High levels of estrogen
- Low levels of testosterone
What symptom is NOT commonly associated with PCOS?
What symptom is NOT commonly associated with PCOS?
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- Obesity
- Severe allergies (correct)
- Anovulation
How does obesity influence women with PCOS?
How does obesity influence women with PCOS?
What method is best for diagnosing hyperandrogenism in PCOS?
What method is best for diagnosing hyperandrogenism in PCOS?
Flashcards
PCOS
PCOS
A hormonal disorder in women of childbearing age, characterized by enlarged ovaries with cysts, and imbalances in hormones like testosterone and LH.
PCOS causes
PCOS causes
The exact cause is unknown, but hormonal imbalances, especially high testosterone and LH, are linked to PCOS. Insulin resistance, worsened by obesity, is also significant in causing hyperandrogenism.
PCOS symptoms
PCOS symptoms
PCOS symptoms include menstrual irregularities, infertility, obesity, miscarriages, acne, and anovulation.
PCOS diagnosis
PCOS diagnosis
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Hyperandrogenism
Hyperandrogenism
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Study Notes
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- PCOS is a disorder affecting the hormones of women of childbearing age
- Characterized by enlarged ovaries with multiple cyst formations
- Exact causes are unknown, but certain predispositions are linked to the condition
- Obesity, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances (raised testosterone, LH) are major factors
PCOS Hormones
- PCOS is associated with hormone imbalances, including:
- Elevated testosterone levels, though women naturally produce small amounts
- Elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, which can have an abnormal effect on the ovaries if levels are too high
- Reduced or low follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels
- Insulin resistance
Insulin Resistance and Obesity in PCOS
- Insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia are significant causes of hyperandrogenism in PCOS
- Obesity worsens these hormonal imbalances, leading to a higher incidence of menstrual irregularities and hirsutism in obese women with PCOS compared to non-obese women
PCOS Diagnosis
- Diagnosis involves a combination of hormonal blood tests and ultrasound
- Hormonal tests examine androgen levels and free androgen index (FAI) to diagnose hyperandrogenism.
- Tests also entail measuring female hormone levels (estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone)
- Ultrasound helps differentiate between normal and polycystic ovaries, visually identifying the cysts
PCOS Symptoms
- Common symptoms include:
- Obesity
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- Infertility, including recurrent first-trimester miscarriages
- Anovulation (failure of ovaries to release an oocyte)
- Acne related to hyperandrogenism
PCOS Management
- Management strategies depend on the specific symptoms:
- Infertility: Ruling out other causes, medical treatments (e.g., Glucophage to address insulin resistance), ovulation induction, surgical interventions (e.g., hysterectomy)
- Hirsutism: Using combined oral contraceptives
- Obesity: Low caloric diet, exercise, combined with antidiabetic drugs and electro-lipolysis
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