Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is among the most prevalent hormonal disorders that affect women who are of reproductive age. It can affect how women’s reproductive system works, which can lead to irregular cycles, excessive androgen (male hormone) levels and polycystic Ovaries. While the exact causes of polycystic ovary syndrome remains a mystery the combination of hormonal, genetic and lifestyle factors are key to the development of PCOS.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that manifests as hormonal imbalances in reproductive hormones especially androgens. The imbalance in hormones can cause disruption to menstrual cycles, impede ovulation and cause the formation of numerous small cysts inside the Ovaries.
Some of the most frequent symptoms for PCOS consist of:
- Menstrual cycles that are irregular
- Hair that’s too long on the body or face (hirsutism)
- Acne, oily and blemishes on the skin
- Gain in weight or difficulty losing weight
- Loss of hair or hair thinning on the scalp
- Infertility
We now know the nature of PCOS means, lets examine the root causes.
1. Insulin Resistance
One of the major causes of polycystic ovary syndrome are insulin resistance. The hormone insulin is one which regulates the blood sugar level. For many women suffering from PCOS the body’s cells are resistant to insulin, leading the pancreas’s production of insulin to make up for the loss.
How does insulin resistance cause PCOS:
- Increased levels of insulin may cause an increase in androgen production within the ovaries.
- Ovulation is disrupted by higher levels of testosterone and cause PCOS issues like acne and the hirsutism.
- Insulin resistance is tightly linked to obesity, which may cause PCOS symptoms.
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2. Hormonal Imbalance
One of the main characteristics that is characteristic of PCOS is that it causes an imbalance of hormones that regulate reproduction. Women suffering from PCOS usually suffer from:
- Increased levels of luteinizing hormone (LH)
- The increase in testosterone levels and other androgens
- Lower levels of FSH, which is a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
These imbalances alter the menstrual cycle, and Ovulation, which can lead to fertility issues and the formation of Ovarian cysts.
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3. Genetics and Family History
PCOS typically runs in families. If your sister, mother or aunt suffer from PCOS then you could be more at risk of developing PCOS as well.
Genes that are linked to PCOS could affect how the body produces insulin, process hormones or regulates the function of ovaries. Although certain genes haven’t been confirmed, research suggests that there is a genetic cause for PCOS.
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4. Obesity and Lifestyle Factors
Although PCOS is a problem for women of all shapes and sizes weight gain can dramatically make symptoms more severe. Fat cells make estrogen and fat accumulation can cause hormonal imbalance.
Lifestyle choices that are unhealthy, such as:
- Diet that is poor (high in processed and sugary foods as well as processed sugar)
- Physical inactivity is not as high
- Stress levels are high.
- Insufficient sleep
… could all can contribute to the weight gain, and can also worsen insulin resistance, thereby increasing the chance for PCOS symptoms.
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5. Low-Grade Inflammation
Studies have shown that women with PCOS typically suffer from mild inflammation in their bodies. Chronic inflammation can trigger polycystic Ovaries to produce more androgens, which can contribute to the many PCOS symptoms.
The signs of inflammation in PCOS can include:
- Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels
- Fatigue
- Greater risk of heart disease and diabetes
Inflammation can be reduced through anti-inflammatory food regularly exercising, regular workouts, and stress management can aid in managing PCOS symptoms.
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6. Environmental and Endocrine Disruptors
New research is starting to investigate the role of environmental factors in creating or aggravating PCOS. Exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDCs) that are found in pesticides, plastics and cosmetics could disrupt hormone regulation.
Common EDCs associated with PCOS are:
- Bisphenol A (BPA)
- Phthalates
- Parabens
The chemicals are similar to estrogen within the body. They can influence the function of the ovaries and hormone production as well as insulin susceptibility.
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Can PCOS Be Prevented?
Although you might not be able to stop the hormonal or genetic reasons for PCOS in full but you can lessen the chance of developing or causing PCOS symptoms by making lifestyle changes early on.
Tips to reduce the risk
- Maintain a healthy weight by consuming a an exercise program and a balanced diet.
- Monitor blood sugar levels regularly
- Select whole foods over processed choices
- Beware of exposure to chemicals that can be harmful
- Reduce stress with meditation, yoga or therapy
Conclusion
PCOS is a complicated condition with a variety of interconnected causes such as hormone imbalances, insulin resistance and genetic factors, obesity, inflammation as well as the environment’s contaminants. Although no one cause is at fault, knowing these contributory factors can help you to manage your overall health and reproductive health.
Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can play an important role in taking care of PCOS naturally and efficiently. If you suspect PCOS or may be at risk, speak with an endocrinologist or gynecologist to get comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment program.
