Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

by

Sarah Zambrano

     Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. During the menstrual cycle, a hormonal imbalance causes the eggs in the ovaries to not develop as they should. In a healthy menstrual cycle one egg develops in a fluid filled sac. Hormones cause the egg to ripen and then the sac to burst open so the egg is released, ready to be fertilized. With the imbalance that causes PCOS, the egg does not ripen properly and so the fluid filled sac continues to fill, causing a cyst to form. The cyst remains and the woman's body continues to try to ripen more eggs over time, causing the ovaries to fill with these cysts. The cysts can become painful. Furthermore, since eggs are usually not released in the woman's menstrual cycle with PCOS, no ripe egg is available to be fertilized, so often pregnancy cannot occur. 

     PCOS is caused by a hormonal imbalance. Women with PCOS have high levels of androgens or "male hormones". Besides interfering with ovulation, this can also cause women to grow excess hair and have acne. Women with PCOS also have some level of insulin resistance and so have high levels of insulin in the blood. This can make it easier to gain weight and become obese. The exact cause of these hormonal imbalances is not known, but researcher believe that genetics may play a role.

     There is no cure for PCOS, but symptoms can be managed. It helps to eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, and get sufficient exercise. For women who are not looking to get pregnant, hormonal birth control pills can help reduce all of the symptoms mentioned, help balance hormones, and help with regular menstruation. Some doctors prescribe Metformin, a diabetes drug that can help regulate insulin, and/or Sprinonolactone, a drug that can help reduce androgens. There are also fertility medications that women can take that can help induce ovulation if a woman is trying to get pregnant. 

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439

https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome