Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance caused by excess male hormones produced by the ovaries (the organ that creates and releases eggs). Your ovaries create abnormally high quantities of hormones called androgens if you’ve got PCOS. This produces an imbalance in your reproductive hormones. As a result, PCOS sufferers frequently experience irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, and uncertain ovulation. Due to a lack of ovulation, small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) may form on your ovaries (anovulation).1
Hormones and PCOS: What’s the Connection?
PCOS affects the balance of your reproductive hormones. This can cause issues with your ovaries, such as not having or not getting your periods.
Hormones are produced by your body to cause various effects. Some hormones influence your menstrual cycle and are related to your ability to conceive. PCOS is associated with the following hormones:
Progesterone:
PCOS may lead to insufficient production of this hormone. You can go a long time between periods or have problems estimating when they’ll arrive.
Androgens:
They are commonly referred to be male hormones, although they also affect women. Women who have PCOS have greater levels of androgen hormones.
Insulin:
It regulates blood sugar levels. Your body might not react to insulin because it should if you’ve got PCOS.
Common symptoms of PCOS:
- Irregular periods – The uterine lining does not shed every month due to the lack of ovulation. PCOS can cause fewer than eight periods or no periods at all for some women.
- Bleeding heavily – When you do get a period, you may find that the pain is more severe than normal since your uterine lining builds up when you consistently miss your periods. This leads to heavier blood flow than what you may experience in a normal period cycle. Because the uterine lining thickens up for a longer time, your periods may be thicker than usual.
- Hair growth – Over 70% of women with PCOS develop hair on their face and body, including their back, abdomen, and chest. Hirsutism is the term used for excessive hair growth.
- Insulin resistance – The ovaries produce and release male hormones (androgens) as insulin levels rise. An increase in male hormone suppresses ovulation and contributes to other PCOS symptoms.
- Acne – It is believed that male hormones make the skin oilier than usual, which can lead to breakouts on the face, chest, and upper back.
- Gaining weight – PCOS affects up to 80% of women who are overweight or obese.
- Male pattern baldness – It occurs when the hair on the scalp thins and falls out.
- Skin Darkening – Dark patches of skin can occur in body creases such as the neck, crotch, and under the breasts.
- Headache – Hormone fluctuations might cause headaches in some women.2
- Polycystic Ovaries – Your ovaries may have larger follicles that surround the eggs. As a result, the ovaries could stop working properly.3
PCOS is a common cause of infertility that can be connected to a variety of other illnesses. If you suspect you have PCOS, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Changes in your lifestyle and medical treatments can help you manage your symptoms, reduce your risk of developing additional health problems, and get pregnant.
