Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome The most common female endocrine disorder is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). As reported by the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association, PCOS is the imbalance of hormones in a women’s body which can lead to menstrual cycle changes, cysts in the ovaries, trouble getting pregnant, and other health changes (What is PCOS, 2009). The cause of this endocrine disorder is unknown, however, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), it is connected to changes in certain hormones levels (Polycystic ovary syndrome, 2012). In a woman with PCOS, estrogen and progesterone levels are low while androgen levels are high. This imbalance affects the development and release of eggs during ovulation, causes the formation of very small cysts in the ovaries, and contributes to infertility.
The symptoms for PCOS vary from woman to woman. The two most common symptoms are infertility and irregular or absent menstruation. These are caused by the absence of ovulation. Other most common symptoms of PCOS, as stated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office on Women’s Health, are: the increase of body hair growth on places such as the chest and face, cysts found in the ovaries, acne, deeper voice, and weight gain or obesity (PCOS Fact Sheet, 2010).
PCOS’s cause is unknown, however it is recognized to be associated with the imbalance of hormones. According to the U.S. DHSS, Office on Women’s Health, ovaries have tiny fluid-filled sacs, follicles or cysts, which build up fluid as an egg grows. When the egg matures the follicle breaks open, and the egg is released allowing ovulation to occur. However, in women with PCOS, the ovaries do not have enough estrogen levels for an egg to fully mature. This causes the follicles to start growing, building up fluid, and making the follicles remain as cysts. The lack of ovulation provokes the absence of progesterone which makes the increased production of androgen in the ovaries (PCOS
The symptoms for PCOS vary from woman to woman. The two most common symptoms are infertility and irregular or absent menstruation. These are caused by the absence of ovulation. Other most common symptoms of PCOS, as stated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office on Women’s Health, are: the increase of body hair growth on places such as the chest and face, cysts found in the ovaries, acne, deeper voice, and weight gain or obesity (PCOS Fact Sheet, 2010).
PCOS’s cause is unknown, however it is recognized to be associated with the imbalance of hormones. According to the U.S. DHSS, Office on Women’s Health, ovaries have tiny fluid-filled sacs, follicles or cysts, which build up fluid as an egg grows. When the egg matures the follicle breaks open, and the egg is released allowing ovulation to occur. However, in women with PCOS, the ovaries do not have enough estrogen levels for an egg to fully mature. This causes the follicles to start growing, building up fluid, and making the follicles remain as cysts. The lack of ovulation provokes the absence of progesterone which makes the increased production of androgen in the ovaries (PCOS