Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS ) is a complex , common endocrine condition affecting reproductive women with a reported prevalence of between 8-15 % depending on the diagnostic criteria and the population studied ( Rhonda Garad , Soulmez Shorakae , Helena Teede 2019 )

HOW common

Most common endocrinopathy among reproductive age women A BJGP article in 2018 states that they suspect that there is a significant under-diagnosis of the condition Prevalence does not appear to vary across different regions of world ( BMJ Best practice ) Responsible for 80-90 % of cases of hyper-androgenism in females

WHAT happens

Despite years of research the etiology of PCOS remains unknown First described by Stein and Leventhal in 1935 PCOS is characterized by○ androgen excess ( ovarian and or adrenal )○ ovulatory dysfunction ( chronic anovulation )○ polycystic ovaries Most common cause of infertility linked to chronic an-ovulation Complex heterogenous familial disorder Actual PCOS gene has not been identified yet but it is suspected that PCOS risk depends on genetic factors Androgen excess is the key features seen in approximately 60-80 % of patients - hirsuitism and hyperandrogenism are manifestations of the excessive androgen production Potential factors involved alteration in○ steroidogenesis○ ovarian...