Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that occurs in women during their reproductive years, and is the leading cause of infertility in the United States. Its prevalence rate is estimated to be between 5% and 15% of women (McCance and Huether, 2019). It is a complex disorder that has genetic and environmental factors contributing to the etiology; the disease can be shown through high familial rates of hyperandrogenism and type 2 diabetes in first-degree relatives of women with PCOS. Environmental components such as socioeconomic status and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors have also been shown to contribute to the disease. However, PCOS is a complex disease in which its exact cause is unknown (Barthelmess and Naz, 2014). It has 3 common features: polycystic ovaries (ovaries with multiple cysts on them), irregular ovulation, and elevated levels of androgen (male) hormones such as testosterone. Many women also have insulin resistance or hyperinsulinemia as well (McCance and Huether, 2019).
The diagnostic criteria for PCOS is that it includes at least two of the three features:
- Irregular ovulation/anovulation
- Elevated levels of androgens
- Polycystic ovaries
Picture retrieved from https://medcomic.com/project/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome/
Cover Photo: Retrieved from https://www.boostthyroid.com/blog/2018/4/12/hashimotos-and-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos.