Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common hormonal disorder that affects the female reproductive system. It involves an imbalance of sex hormones, which can cause irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, and acne. The condition affects the ovaries, where many small cysts may develop, leading to problems with ovulation. This hormonal imbalance can also impact metabolism, increasing the risk of insulin resistance and weight gain. Women with this syndrome may experience difficulties with fertility and have a higher chance of developing diabetes and heart disease later in life.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology. The core pathology involves dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function leading to increased secretion of LH relative to FSH, which stimulates excess androgen production by ovarian theca cells. Insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia exacerbate androgen excess and disrupt follicular development. Clinically, PCOS presents with oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, hirsutism, acne, and infertility. It is a major cause of female infertility and is associated with metabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk factors.