Major Cause of Infertility in Women: PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that presents with infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual periods. It is also associated with excess male hormone (androgen) levels.

The ovaries develop numerous small collections of fluid referred to as cysts which may disturb the regular egg production.

Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones. This hormonal imbalance causes irregularities in their menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant.

Polycystic Ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. This condition also causes severe pain during menstrual cycle in some women.

Many women have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome but don’t know it because they wave whatever symptoms the have as their normal cycles. The exact cause of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is not yet known.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Irregular/Infrequent Menstrual cycle.

Excruciating pain during menstrual cycle: pain during menstrual cycle is only normal when there is no underlying condition and when it is not affecting your day to day activities.

Prolonged and heavy flow. This is when you have fewer than 9 periods a year with abnormally heavy flow.

Excess androgen: Elevated levels of male hormone may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), and occasionally severe acne and male-pattern baldness.

Polycystic ovaries. The ovaries are enlarged with numerous follicles that surround the eggs. Preventing the ovaries from functioning normally.

 

As earlier said, the cause of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is unknown. However, there are factors that may contribute to its presence. They include;

• Increased Insulin level: Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that allows cells to use glucose, the body’s primary source of energy. The usual cause of this rise in insulin is the presence of insulin resistance.
• Family history of PCOS
• Obesity

Complications of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Complications of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can include:

• Infertility
• Gestational diabetes
• Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia – Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure.
• Miscarriages or premature birth
• Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis : This is a severe liver inflammation caused by fat accumulation in the liver
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of conditions including hypertension, diabetes, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels that significantly increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Sleep Apnea
• Depression, anxiety and eating disorders
• Endometrial Cancer: Cancer of the uterine lining.

Consult your doctor if you have the symptoms listed above.