Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

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

This quiz covers the essential aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), including its hormonal imbalances and the role of insulin resistance. Learn about the characteristics, causes, and effects of PCOS on women's health. Get ready to test your knowledge on a condition affecting many women of childbearing age.