TLDR PCOS is a hereditary disorder that can lead to diabetes and heart disease if not treated early.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hereditary disorder affecting 6-10% of women of reproductive age, characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and often associated with insulin resistance, hirsutism, and obesity. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors that become evident at puberty. Many women with PCOS have elevated insulin levels, which may contribute to increased androgen production, leading to symptoms such as acne, excess hair growth, weight gain, and ovulation issues. Early diagnosis and treatment of PCOS is crucial to reduce the risk of long-term complications, including type II diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
15 citations,
December 2016 in “Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira” Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal disorder in women, linked to increased risk of metabolic and heart diseases, and needs more research for better understanding and treatment.
1 citations,
May 2016 in “The Nurse Practitioner” Treating PCOS is complex, involving medication like metformin and lifestyle changes, and requires attention to mental health due to high depression and anxiety rates.
2 citations,
July 2012 in “Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology” A 12-year-old girl with very high testosterone and insulin resistance improved with birth control pills, suggesting PCOS can cause high testosterone without tumors.
10 citations,
November 2010 in “Skin therapy letter” Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.
67 citations,
February 2010 in “Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica” Hirsutism is a strong sign of high male hormones and metabolic problems in women with PCOS, but acne and hair loss are not.
3 citations,
March 2007 in “Canadian Medical Association Journal” Women with PCOS should have an oral glucose tolerance test for effective diabetes screening.
