Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy that affects 8–20% of the reproductive age females and adolescent girls every year worldwide and approximately 5 million cases reported in the USA annually. It is more prevalent in urban areas as compared to the rural areas because of the difference in the lifestyles of rural and urban ladies. Rarely PCOS is passed on by heredity in some cases. It mostly occurs due to a lack of awareness. Its symptoms become mild to severe like initially hirsutism, acne which further leads to irregular periods and infertility. The pathogenesis of PCOS is not known because it is a complex multi-genetic disorder. Ovary and adrenal steroid genesis, the action of steroid hormone, action and regulation of gonadotropin, action, and secretion of insulin, obesity, and regulation of energy in PCOS involve genes. Its main clinical manifestations are insulin resistance and increased level of androgen. Metformin is used to sensitize the insulin because the risk of glucose intolerance also gets elevated with insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes, and lipid abnormalities. Likely, the outcome of different, deeply interrelated genetic abnormalities that influence each other and perpetuate the syndrome may be represented by PCOS.

Unraveling the Complexities of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review

“…Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting approximately 5-10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. PCOS is characterized by a constellation of symptoms, including hyperandrogenism (elevated levels of male hormones), menstrual irregularities (oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea), and polycystic ovarian morphology observed on ultrasound imaging [1]. The Rotterdam criteria, established in 2003, are widely used for diagnosing PCOS and require the presence of at least two out of three criteria: oligo-ovulation or anovulation, clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound.…”

“…Treatment goals in PCOS aim to alleviate symptoms, improve metabolic and hormonal imbalances, restore ovulatory function, and address reproductive concerns. This section discusses various management strategies for PCOS, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and assisted reproductive technologies [1].…”

“…These medications block androgen receptors, inhibit androgen synthesis, and reduce androgen levels, thereby improving cosmetic outcomes and quality of life in affected individuals. However, antiandrogens should be used with caution in women of reproductive age due to teratogenic effects and potential adverse effects on fertility [1,9].…”

“…Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-age women, characterized by hormonal imbalances, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. PCOS is a multifaceted condition with a complex etiology involving genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors [1]. This essay explores the definition of PCOS, its clinical manifestations, and the underlying etiological mechanisms contributing to its development.…”

An Overview: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Related Future Methods

“…It is a condition in which there is sudden hair loss which leads to baldness and in this condition, there is also thinning of hair [15].…”