Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Being a gynecologist demands you to understand every problem

related to gynecological health. And if you are planning to
have MRCOG exam the success in exam demands you to
understand each and every problem in detail.
In this blog I am discussing one of the major concerns of women
of childbearing age, which ispolycystic ovary syndrome
(PCOS) which is also known as Stein Leventhal Syndrome.
According to a recent research that is conducted in US it is
configured as 5% of women are suffering from this problem.
It has been defined as normally PCOS has some two of the
subsequent characteristics:

Deficiency of ovulation for an absolute interlude of time

Elevated levels of androgens i.e. male hormones

Various small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on the ovaries

What causes PCOS?
The precise grounds of PCOS are vague. It's familiar for sisters
or a mother and daughter to have PCOS, but a clear-cut genetic
bond hasn't been institute.
PCOS fallout from a grouping of rather a few connected
features. Several women with PCOS have insulin battle, in
which the body can't use insulin well. This escort to elevated
circulating blood levels of insulin, called hyperinsulinemia. It's

thought as hyperinsulinemia is linked to augmented androgen

levels, over and above fatness and type 2 diabetes. In order,
fatness can boost insulin levels, sourcing decline of PCOS.
How does PCOS affect ovulation?
Ovulation is a progression in which a mature egg cell also called
an ovum is set for fertilization by a sperm cell, is free from one
of the ovaries i.e. two female reproductive organs situated in the
pelvis. If the egg doesn't become fertilized as it moves down the
fallopian tube on its line to the uterus, the endometrium i.e.
lining of the uterus is discard and go by through the vagina that
is the vessel in the course of which fluid surpasses out of the
body throughout menstrual periods; also known as the birth
canal, in the progression which is known as menstruation.
By means of an ovulatory dilemma, the female's reproductive
organization doesn't make the appropriate quantities of
hormones essential to expand, mature, and liberate a healthy
egg.
When the ovaries don't make the appropriate amount of
hormones needed for ovulation and appropriate utility of the
menstrual cycle, the ovaries turn out to be engorged and build up
several tiny cysts which create androgens.
Enlarged ranks of androgens can also hinder with ovulation and
regular menstrual cycles. Still, a few females with polycystic
ovaries have typical menstrual cycles.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?

The signs and symptoms of PCOS are linked to hormonal

disproportion, deficiency of ovulation, and insulin confrontation
and may embrace:

Irregular, rare, or missing menstrual periods

Hirsutism i.e. extreme growth of body and facial hair, together

with the chest, stomach, and back

Acne or oily skin

Engorged and/or polycystic ovaries

Infertility

Flabby or obesity, particularly around the waist i.e. central

obesity and abdomen

Male-pattern baldheadedness or lessening hair

Skin tags i.e. small pieces of skin on the neck or armpits

Acanthosis nigricans i.e. dark skin areas on the back of the

neck, in the armpits, and under the breasts
Besides, females with PCOS may be at augmented danger for
mounting sure health problems. These may include:

Metabolic syndrome, a state with a number of components,

counting:

Type 2 diabetes or insulin struggle

High cholesterol levels

High blood pressure

Surfeit body mass, particularly around the waist and abdomen

High levels of C-reactive protein that is a marker of

inflammation

High blood clotting reasons

Intense or irregular bleeding and endometrial cancer. Deficiency

of ovulation for an absolute phase of time may origin extreme
thickening of the endometrium i.e. the lining of the uterus.
The symptoms of PCOS may look like other settings or medical
tribulations. At all times ask a gynecologist for a diagnosis.
For more information related to MRCOG Modules or whether
it is MRCPI, do contact Dr. Asma Naqi.