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PCOSPolycystic Ovary Syndrome
WHAT IS PCOS?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a hormonal disorder charecterised by the accumulation of numerous fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries. Multiple ovarian cysts develop over time when the ovum (eggs) fail to mature, then release during the menstrual cycle. This lack of ovulation is the leading cause of infertility in women. PCOS is a hidden epidemic, strongly linked to rising obesity rates. Most health professionals now accept that PCOS is associated with Insulin Resistance Syndrome , a condition associated with poor glucose metabolism and weight gain. This is the reason why Metformin, the oral diabetic medication is now commonly prescribed for PCOS.
PCOS & OVARIAN CYSTS
Multiple ovarian cysts are characteristic of PCOS. The cysts form in the ovaries because ovulation is not occurring.
This is due to high levels of insulin, which stimulate the ovaries to produce large amounts of testosterone, which may prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. The major problem associated with polycystic ovaries is that ovulation is irregular, the woman’s ovaries do not produce eggs and her body produces too many male hormones (androgens.)
Androgens occur naturally in men and women but in polycystic ovaries they are present at higher levels than normal. These high levels of testosterone also prevent normal cyclic egg development and a woman ceases to ovulate.
Thus a woman’s ovaries may contain many small cysts from underdeveloped eggs and on ultrasound the ovaries look enlarged with multiple small cysts, hence the name polycystic ovaries.
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