Zespół policystycznych jajników – Etiologia i przyczyny

Zespół policystycznych jajników
Etiologia i przyczyny

Zespół policystycznych jajników (PCOS) to złożone zaburzenie endokrynologiczne i metaboliczne dotykające 5-10% kobiet w wieku rozrodczym, charakteryzujące się hiperandrogenizmem, zaburzeniami owulacji, insulinoopornością (obecną u 70-85% pacjentek) oraz obecnością torbieli jajnikowych. Patogeneza PCOS obejmuje podwyższony poziom androgenów (zwłaszcza testosteronu), nieprawidłowy stosunek LH do FSH, obniżone stężenie SHBG oraz podwyższony poziom prolaktyny u części pacjentek. Insulinooporność prowadzi do hiperinsulinemii, która stymuluje produkcję androgenów i zmniejsza produkcję SHBG, nasilając objawy. Istotną rolę odgrywa także przewlekły stan zapalny o niskim nasileniu, nasilany przez otyłość, który dodatkowo pogarsza insulinooporność i produkcję androgenów. Genetyczne podłoże PCOS jest silne (do 70% patogenezy), z udziałem genów związanych z insulinoopornością, steroidogenezą i regulacją gonadotropin, a także epigenetycznych modyfikacji wpływających na ekspresję genów i metabolizm hormonów.

Zespół policystycznych jajników (PCOS) – etiologia, przyczyny i czynniki powstawania

Zespół policystycznych jajników (PCOS) jest złożonym zaburzeniem endokrynologicznym i metabolicznym, który dotyka około 5-10% kobiet w wieku rozrodczym. PCOS charakteryzuje się głównie zaburzeniami owulacji, niepłodnością, insulinoopornością oraz obecnością torbieli na jajnikach, wraz z towarzyszącymi objawami hiperandrogenizmu. Dokładna etiologia PCOS pozostaje nieznana, ale uważa się, że jest to złożona kombinacja czynników genetycznych, hormonalnych i środowiskowych¹².

Zaburzenia hormonalne jako główny czynnik PCOS

Zaburzenia hormonalne odgrywają kluczową rolę w patogenezie PCOS. Najbardziej charakterystycznymi zmianami są:¹²

Podwyższony poziom androgenów (hiperandrogenizm) – u kobiet z PCOS jajniki wytwarzają nadmierne ilości androgenów, zwłaszcza testosteronu. Wysokie stężenie androgenów uniemożliwia prawidłowe uwalnianie komórek jajowych, powodując nieregularną owulację lub jej brak¹²
Zaburzenia gonadotropin – kobiety z PCOS często mają podwyższony poziom hormonu luteinizującego (LH) i nieprawidłowy stosunek LH do hormonu folikulotropowego (FSH), co zaburza cykl miesiączkowy¹²
Niskie stężenie globuliny wiążącej hormony płciowe (SHBG) – niższy poziom SHBG zwiększa biodostępność wolnego testosteronu¹
Podwyższony poziom prolaktyny u niektórych kobiet z PCOS¹

Te zaburzenia hormonalne powodują, że pęcherzyki jajnikowe nie rozwijają się prawidłowo, co prowadzi do braku owulacji i powstawania małych, wypełnionych płynem pęcherzyków w jajnikach, które często widoczne są w badaniu USG jako „torbiele”¹².

Insulinooporność i jej rola w rozwoju PCOS

Insulinooporność jest jednym z głównych czynników przyczyniających się do rozwoju PCOS. Około 70-85% kobiet z PCOS wykazuje różny stopień insulinooporności¹². Insulinooporność występuje, gdy komórki organizmu nie reagują prawidłowo na insulinę, co prowadzi do podwyższonego poziomu glukozy we krwi i kompensacyjnej hiperinsulinemii (nadmiaru insuliny w krwiobiegu). Nadmiar insuliny wywołuje kilka efektów przyczyniających się do PCOS:¹²

Stymulacja jajników do produkcji zwiększonych ilości androgenów¹²
Zmniejszenie produkcji SHBG w wątrobie, co zwiększa ilość wolnego testosteronu¹
Zakłócenie normalnej funkcji owulacyjnej jajników¹

Badania sugerują, że u kobiet z PCOS występuje defekt po-receptorowy w szlakach sygnałowych receptora insuliny¹. Insulinooporność może być zarówno przyczyną, jak i skutkiem PCOS, tworząc błędne koło, w którym PCOS pogarsza insulinooporność, a insulinooporność zaostrza objawy PCOS¹².

Genetyczne podłoże PCOS

Badania wykazują silny komponent genetyczny w etiologii PCOS. Szacuje się, że do 70% patogenezy PCOS można przypisać czynnikom genetycznym¹. Zespół policystycznych jajników często występuje rodzinnie – około 20-40% kobiet z PCOS ma matkę lub siostrę z tym schorzeniem¹².

Badania genomowego skanowania asocjacyjnego (GWAS) zidentyfikowały liczne genetyczne loci związane z PCOS, w tym geny zaangażowane w¹²:

Insulinooporność – geny wpływające na wrażliwość insulinową¹
Steroidogenezę jajnikową i biosyntezę hormonów steroidowych¹
Szlak sygnałowy PI3K-Akt¹
Niedobór reduktazy kortyzonu nadnerczy¹
Dysregulację gonadotropinową¹

Zidentyfikowano gen DENND1A (Differentially Expressed in Normal and Neoplastic Development isoform A1) jako potencjalny marker ryzyka PCOS¹. Badania nad bliźniętami wspierają hipotezę, że PCOS jest dziedziczone w sposób autosomalny dominujący, choć wzorzec dziedziczenia może być skomplikowany i obejmować wiele genów¹².

Przewlekły stan zapalny o niewielkim nasileniu

Badania wykazują, że kobiety z PCOS często wykazują przewlekły stan zapalny o niewielkim nasileniu¹². Ten przewlekły stan zapalny może przyczyniać się do rozwoju PCOS poprzez:

Stymulację produkcji androgenów w jajnikach¹
Nasilenie insulinooporności¹
Zwiększenie przepuszczalności jelit¹

Stan zapalny można ocenić poprzez pomiar poziomów białka C-reaktywnego (CRP) i białych krwinek¹. Nadwaga i otyłość mogą dodatkowo nasilać stan zapalny, co tworzy kolejne błędne koło w patogenezie PCOS¹.

Czynniki środowiskowe i styl życia

Czynniki środowiskowe i styl życia odgrywają znaczącą rolę w rozwoju i nasileniu PCOS¹²:

Otyłość – jest silnie związana z PCOS i może nasilać insulinooporność oraz przyczyniać się do zwiększonej produkcji androgenów¹²
Dieta – diety wysokokaloryczne, wysokotłuszczowe i ubogobłonnikowe mogą przyczyniać się do rozwoju i nasilenia PCOS¹²
Brak aktywności fizycznej – siedzący tryb życia zwiększa ryzyko rozwoju PCOS¹
Ekspozycja na zanieczyszczenia środowiskowe – w tym metale ciężkie, pestycydy i substancje zaburzające działanie układu hormonalnego (EDC – Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals)¹²
Palenie tytoniu – wykazano pozytywną korelację między częstością występowania PCOS a paleniem tytoniu i ekspozycją na dym papierosowy¹
Stres przewlekły – może wpływać na poziom hormonów i przyczyniać się do rozwoju PCOS¹

Otyłość zasługuje na szczególną uwagę, ponieważ znacznie zwiększa ryzyko rozwoju PCOS i zaostrza jego objawy. Redukcja masy ciała u kobiet z nadwagą często prowadzi do normalizacji produkcji hormonów i złagodzenia objawów PCOS¹².

Dysbioza mikrobioty jelitowej

Coraz więcej dowodów wskazuje na powiązanie między dysbiotyczną mikrobiotą jelitową a PCOS¹². Dysbioza jelitowa może przyczyniać się do rozwoju PCOS poprzez:

Wywoływanie przewlekłego stanu zapalnego¹
Wpływ na metabolizm hormonów¹
Zwiększenie przepuszczalności bariery jelitowej¹
Nasilenie insulinooporności¹

Badania wykazały znaczne różnice w składzie mikrobioty jelitowej między zdrowymi kobietami a pacjentkami z PCOS¹. Dysbioza jelitowa może być zarówno przyczyną, jak i skutkiem PCOS, tworząc kolejny mechanizm błędnego koła w patogenezie tego schorzenia¹.

Czynniki epigenetyczne

Zmiany epigenetyczne, czyli modyfikacje w ekspresji genów bez zmian w sekwencji DNA, mogą odgrywać ważną rolę w rozwoju PCOS¹². Do czynników epigenetycznych związanych z PCOS należą:

Hipermetylacja komórek ziarnistych w jajniku, hamująca ekspresję genów¹
Zmiany w ekspresji mikroRNA (miRNA) regulujących ekspresję genów¹²
Ekspozycja na androgeny w okresie płodowym¹²
Zmiany w metabolizmie transportera glukozy GLUT4, co przyczynia się do insulinooporności¹

Badania sugerują, że substancje zaburzające działanie układu hormonalnego (EDC) mogą powodować zmiany epigenetyczne w DNA układu rozrodczego kobiet, które mogą wpływać na kolejne pokolenia i prowadzić do przekazywania potencjalnych cech PCOS¹.

Zaburzenia osi podwzgórze-przysadka-jajniki

PCOS może wynikać z nieprawidłowego funkcjonowania osi podwzgórze-przysadka-jajniki (HPO)¹. Zaburzenia te obejmują:

Nieprawidłowe wydzielanie gonadotropin, zwłaszcza LH¹²
Zwiększoną częstotliwość pulsów GnRH (gonadoliberyny)¹
Zwiększoną amplitudę pulsów LH¹
Wzmożoną odpowiedź LH na egzogenny GnRH¹

Te zaburzenia prowadzą do nieprawidłowej stymulacji komórek osłonki pęcherzyka jajnikowego, co powoduje zwiększoną produkcję androgenów¹. Niektóre dowody sugerują, że pacjentki z PCOS mogą mieć funkcjonalną nieprawidłowość cytochromu P450c17, 17-hydroksylazy, która jest enzymem ograniczającym szybkość biosyntezy androgenów¹.

Podsumowanie złożonej patogenezy PCOS

PCOS jest zaburzeniem heterogennym o złożonej patogenezie, angażującej wiele mechanizmów¹². Kluczowe elementy etiologii PCOS obejmują:

Predyspozycje genetyczne z silnym komponentem rodzinnym¹²
Zaburzenia hormonalne, zwłaszcza hiperandrogenizm¹²
Insulinooporność i hiperinsulinemia¹²
Przewlekły stan zapalny o niewielkim nasileniu¹²
Czynniki środowiskowe i styl życia¹²
Dysbiotyczną mikrobiotę jelitową¹
Zmiany epigenetyczne¹²
Zaburzenia osi podwzgórze-przysadka-jajniki¹²

Te mechanizmy wchodzą w złożone interakcje, tworząc błędne koła patofizjologiczne, które przyczyniają się do rozwoju i utrzymywania się PCOS¹². Zrozumienie tych mechanizmów ma kluczowe znaczenie dla opracowania skutecznych strategii diagnostycznych i terapeutycznych dla pacjentek z PCOS¹.

Należy podkreślić, że PCOS nie jest chorobą, a zespołem o złożonej etiologii, który różni się między pacjentkami¹. Indywidualne podejście terapeutyczne, uwzględniające dominujące mechanizmy patogenetyczne u każdej pacjentki, może przynieść najlepsze efekty kliniczne¹.

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Materiały źródłowe

#1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Current Management, and Future Therapeutics
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9964744/
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder, typically characterized by anovulation, infertility, obesity, insulin resistance, and polycystic ovaries. Lifestyle or diet, environmental pollutants, genetics, gut dysbiosis, neuroendocrine alterations, and obesity are among the risk factors that predispose females to PCOS. […] Although the exact cause of this multifactorial disorder is unknown, a combination of inherited and environmental factors is thought to play a primary role. The pathophysiology of PCOS is chiefly concerned with hormonal imbalance, chronic low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism, which impair folliculogenesis and increase the risk of related comorbidities, such as endometrial cancer and type II diabetes. […] A range of environmental factors, including geography, diet and nutrition, socioeconomic status, and environmental pollutants, are possibly contributing to the development, occurrence, and management of PCOS.
#1
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/causes/
The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is unknown, but it’s thought to be related to abnormal hormone levels. […] High levels of insulin causes the ovaries to produce too much testosterone, which interferes with the development of the follicles (the sacs in the ovaries where eggs develop) and prevents normal ovulation. […] Many women with PCOS are found to have an imbalance in certain hormones, including raised levels of testosterone a hormone often thought of as a male hormone, although all women usually produce small amounts of it, raised levels of luteinising hormone (LH) this stimulates ovulation, but may have an abnormal effect on the ovaries if levels are too high, low levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) a protein in the blood that binds to testosterone and reduces its effect, raised levels of prolactin (only in some women with PCOS) a hormone that stimulates the breast glands to produce milk in pregnancy.
#1 PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Symptoms & Treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8316-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that occurs when your ovaries (the organ that produces and releases eggs) create excess hormones. If you have PCOS, your ovaries produce unusually high levels of hormones called androgens. This causes your reproductive hormones to become imbalanced. As a result, people with PCOS often have irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods and unpredictable ovulation. […] The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Theres evidence that genetics play a role. Several other factors, most importantly obesity, also play a role in causing PCOS: […] Higher levels of male hormones called androgens: High androgen levels prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs, which causes irregular menstrual cycles. Irregular ovulation can also cause small, fluid-filled sacs to develop on your ovaries. High androgen also causes acne and excess hair growth in females.
#1 Symptoms and causes of PCOS | Jean Hailes
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/symptoms-and-causes-of-pcos
We dont know the exact cause of PCOS, but genetics and family history play an important role. PCOS may be associated with the hormone levels in your body before birth and your lifestyle or environment. […] The name polycystic ovary syndrome suggests the problem is mainly with the ovaries, and that you might have multiple cysts on your ovaries. But the cause of PCOS is hormonal. […] In some women diagnosed with PCOS, an ultrasound image of the ovaries shows multiple follicles in the ovaries. These are not cysts. They are eggs that havent developed properly. […] No single gene has been found to cause PCOS, so the link is likely to involve multiple genes. […] Its estimated that up to a third of women with PCOS have a relative who has PCOS (e.g. mother, aunt, sister or daughter). This may be higher in some ethnic groups.
#1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
https://www.healthline.com/health/polycystic-ovary-disease
Polycystic ovary syndrome is caused by an imbalance of androgens. […] Doctors dont know exactly what causes PCOS. They believe that high levels of male hormones prevent the ovaries from producing hormones and making eggs normally. […] Genes, insulin resistance, and inflammation have all been linked to excess androgen production. […] Studies show that PCOS runs in families. […] Up to 70 percent of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning that their cells cant use insulin properly. […] Women with PCOS often have increased levels of inflammation in their body. Being overweight can also contribute to inflammation. Studies have linked excess inflammation to higher androgen levels. […] Doctors dont know exactly what causes PCOS. They believe it stems from factors such as genes, insulin resistance, and higher levels of inflammation in the body.
#1 Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) | Better Health Channel
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition that affects about 10% of women. […] We know that PCOS is a hormonal condition, but the exact cause is not fully understood. It may be associated with family history, genetics, lifestyle and environment. […] Its likely PCOS is linked to multiple genes. […] Its thought that increased levels of insulin cause the ovaries to work differently, which leads to high levels of androgens (male-type hormones). These hormones cause different PCOS symptoms. […] About 85% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which means the body blocks glucose from going into cells. This causes the body to make more insulin. Insulin resistance can be caused by genetic factors, or lifestyle factors such as being overweight. […] PCOS can affect women of all weight ranges. But a heavier weight can increase the hormones responsible for PCOS symptoms. Weight loss can normalise hormone production and lead to improvements in PCOS symptoms.
#1 Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | AAFP
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/0715/p106.html
Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrinopathy among reproductive-aged women in the United States, affecting approximately 7% of female patients. […] Although its exact etiology is unclear, PCOS is currently thought to emerge from a complex interaction of genetic and environmental traits. […] The pathogenesis of PCOS has been linked to altered luteinizing hormone (LH) action, insulin resistance, and a possible predisposition to hyperandrogenism. […] One theory maintains that underlying insulin resistance exacerbates hyperandrogenism by suppressing synthesis of sex hormone-binding globulin and increasing adrenal and ovarian synthesis of androgens, thereby increasing androgen levels. […] Given the conditions associated with PCOS, the Endocrine Society, the Androgen Excess and PCOS Society, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that clinicians evaluate patients’ blood pressure at every visit and lipid levels at the time of diagnosis, and screen for type 2 diabetes with a two-hour oral glucose tolerance test regardless of a patient’s body mass index.
#1 Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Practice Essentials, Background, Etiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/256806-overview
PCOS is also associated with peripheral insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, and obesity amplifies the degree of both abnormalities. Insulin resistance in PCOS can be secondary to a postbinding defect in insulin receptor signaling pathways, and elevated insulin levels may have gonadotropin-augmenting effects on ovarian function. […] A proposed mechanism for anovulation and elevated androgen levels suggests that, under the increased stimulatory effect of luteinizing hormone (LH) secreted by the anterior pituitary, stimulation of the ovarian theca cells is increased. These cells, in turn, increase the production of androgens (eg, testosterone, androstenedione). […] Some evidence suggests that patients have a functional abnormality of cytochrome P450c17, the 17-hydroxylase, which is the rate-limiting enzyme in androgen biosynthesis.
#1 Insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome across various tissues: an updated review of pathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment | Journal of Ovarian Research | Full Text
https://ovarianresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13048-022-01091-0
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by chronic ovulation dysfunction and overabundance of androgens; it affects 620% of women of reproductive age. […] Affected women usually have significant insulin resistance (IR), which is a major cause of PCOS. […] IR and compensatory hyperinsulinaemia (HI) are considered major drivers of PCOS pathophysiology and are involved in the development of hyperandrogenaemia and reproductive dysfunction by various mechanisms. […] Currently, there are four commonly recognized phenotypes of PCOS: type A, polycystic ovary (PCO), chronic oligo-anovulation (OA) and hyperandrogenism (HA); type B, OA and HA; type C, PCO and HA; and type D, PCO and OA. […] IR is present in all phenotypes, and insulin sensitivity varies according to the PCOS phenotype.
#1 Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459251/
PCOS is a complex multigenic disorder with strong epigenetic factors associated with it. […] Genome-wide association Studies (GWAS) have identified multiple PCOS-associated genetic loci; many of these genes are involved in various levels of insulin resistance, ovarian steroidogenesis, steroid hormone biosynthesis, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, adrenal cortisone reductase deficiency, and gonadotrophic dysregulation. […] Twin studies have estimated that about 70% of PCOS pathogenesis is attributable to genetic components. […] The DENND1A (Differentially Expressed in Normal and Neoplastic Development isoform A1) gene was identified as a potential risk marker. […] Epigenetic factors like obesity affect the hypermethylation of granulosa cells in the ovary, inhibiting gene expression. […] Some hypotheses also include fetal androgen exposure as an etiology that needs validation. […] The role of microRNAs in the regulation of GLUT4 implicated in insulin resistance has also been validated.
#1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, Tests, and Treatment
https://www.webmd.com/women/what-is-pcos
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects your ovaries, the female reproductive organs that make eggs. […] Doctors dont know exactly what causes the syndrome. But things that are thought to be involved include: […] High levels of androgens. This condition, called hyperandrogenism, affects most people with PCOS. […] Insulin resistance. Extra insulin can affect your ovaries and their ability to release eggs (ovulate). It can also make it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. […] Long-term, low-grade inflammation. This also contributes to your body’s overproduction of androgens. […] The genetic link to PCOS isn’t clear, but you’re more likely to get it if your close relatives also have it. Some 20%-40% of those with PCOS have a mother or sister with the condition. This may be related to similar lifestyles as well as to genes.
#1 Genetic Basis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Current Perspective | TACG
https://www.dovepress.com/genetic-basis-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-current-perspectives-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-TACG
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common infertility disorder affecting a significant proportion of the global population. […] The disease is multifactorial and complex and, therefore, often difficult to diagnose due to overlapping symptoms. Multiple etiological factors have been implicated in PCOS. […] Conclusively PCOS is a polygenic and multifactorial syndromic disorder. Many genes have been associated with PCOS, which affect fertility either directly or indirectly. […] PCOS is a multifactorial disorder where individual genes, gene-gene interaction, or gene-environment interactions have been reported to influence predisposition to PCOS development. […] Identifying causal variants in genes that may alter its expression or subsequent protein function helps to delineate the genetic architecture of this multifactorial disorder.
#1 PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Symptoms & Treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8316-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
Insulin resistance: An increase in insulin levels causes your ovaries to make and release male hormones (androgens). Increased male hormones suppress ovulation and contribute to other symptoms of PCOS. […] Low-grade inflammation: People with PCOS tend to have chronic low-grade inflammation. Your healthcare provider can perform blood tests that measure levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells, which can indicate the level of inflammation in your body. […] Researchers are learning more about the causes of PCOS. However, some evidence shows PCOS has a genetic or hereditary component. This means if your biological parent has PCOS, you may be more likely to have it, too.
#1 Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a problem with hormones that happens during the reproductive years. […] The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. […] The exact cause of PCOS isn’t known. Factors that might play a role include: […] One sign of insulin resistance is dark, velvety patches of skin on the lower part of the neck, armpits, groin or under the breasts. […] Research shows that people with PCOS have a type of long-term, low-grade inflammation that leads polycystic ovaries to produce androgens. […] Research suggests that certain genes might be linked to PCOS. […] With PCOS, the ovaries may produce high levels of androgen.
#1 What Are the Main Causes of PCOS? | Knowell
https://www.knowell.com/blogs/news/main-causes-of-pcos?srsltid=AfmBOorC4NaugTMPi8hU1h84DuEaGfoV3FVqJFJM5sxC7J8-x2YB–MZ
Women with PCOS often have high levels of insulin. […] High levels of insulin could be directly to blame for the development of the syndrome and some of its most prominent symptoms. […] Inflammation happens when your body’s immune system reacts to a foreign substance. […] Some people with PCOS also have high levels of other inflammatory markers. […] Insulin resistance can cause inflammation. Yet again, we can see how the various causes of PCOS are intricately linked.
#1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Current Management, and Future Therapeutics
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9964744/
High-calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles might be possible causes of exacerbating PCOS. […] Obesity has been linked to PCOS development due to aberrant activity of the HPO axis. […] PCOS is a polygenic and multifaceted disorder, and it has been shown that certain genes, gene-gene interactions, or interactions between genes and the environment might affect a person’s propensity to develop PCOS. […] The gut microbiome is made up of approximately 1013 to 1014 microorganisms that collectively have almost 200 times more genes than the human genome, making it an organ on its own. […] Gut dysbiosis appears to be the root of the inflammation and alteration of gut permeability, which can then affect a host’s health. […] Recent research has found differences in the expression of certain miRNAs between women with PCOS and healthy women, suggesting that miRNAs may be crucial in the emergence and progression of PCOS.
#1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatments | The American Journal of Patient Health Info
https://ajphi.org/ajphi/article/view/83
Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance is closely linked to PCOS and can lead to increased insulin in the blood. Increased insulin, in turn, stimulates the ovaries to produce more androgens, disrupting the normal hormonal balance and contributing to the symptoms of PCOS. […] Obesity: Obesity is strongly associated with PCOS. Excess body fat, particularly abdominal fat, can exacerbate insulin resistance and increase the production of androgens, further contributing to the hormonal imbalances seen in PCOS. […] Ethnicity: PCOS affects women of all ethnicities, but some groups may be at higher risk than others. Studies have found that women of South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic descent may have a higher prevalence of PCOS compared to women of other ethnic backgrounds.
#1 What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
https://www.everydayhealth.com/pcos/
Environmental factors: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A, which is often found in medical devices, housewares, and appliances, can increase a person’s risk of inflammation and PCOS. […] Lifestyle factors: Limited physical activity, a high-fat and low-fiber diet, and high stress levels may also play a role in the development of PCOS. […] While certain factors, such as family history, are not under your control, there are ways to minimize your risks and improve symptom severity. You can manage risk factors by: Avoiding environmental pollutants such as heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and cigarette smoke. […] The main cause of PCOS is not known, but both genetics and environmental factors may play a role.
#1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Current Management, and Future Therapeutics
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9964744/
Dysbiosis of the gut microbial community, caused by environmental risk factors, might be a potential pathogenic factor in the development and progression of PCOS. […] The origin, prevalence, and modulation of the PCOS phenotype may be affected by environmental pollutants, diet and lifestyle choices, genetic factors, obesity, and gut dysbiosis. […] Various studies have shown that environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals, insecticides, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), significantly affect human health and reproduction. […] EDCs may also result in epigenetic alterations in the DNA of the female reproductive system that may affect subsequent generations and result in the transmission of potential PCOS traits. […] Numerous studies have found a positive correlation between PCOS incidence, smoking, and exposure to cigarette smoke.
#1 PCOS Triggers: Causes & Risk Factors Explained
https://www.medicalphysics.institute/papers/what-triggers-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-understanding-the-causes-and-risk-factors-of-pcos
Many everyday products contain endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with hormonal function. […] Chronic stress is another critical environmental factor that influences PCOS. […] Chronic inflammation has been identified as a key factor in the development and worsening of PCOS. […] Research shows a strong correlation between elevated inflammatory markers and PCOS symptoms.
#1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Current Management, and Future Therapeutics
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/4/1454
PCOS is a polygenic and multifaceted disorder, and it has been shown that certain genes, geneâgene interactions, or interactions between genes and the environment might affect a personâs propensity to develop PCOS. […] The gut microbiome is made up of approximately 10^13 to 10^14 microorganisms that collectively have almost 200 times more genes than the human genome, making it an âorganâ on its own. Gut dysbiosis appears to be the root of the inflammation and alteration of gut permeability, which can then affect a hostâs health. […] Numerous studies in recent years have examined the connection between PCOS and alterations in the gut microbiota. These investigations revealed a significant difference in the composition of the gut microbiome between healthy controls and PCOS patients.
#1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Current Management, and Future Therapeutics
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/4/1454
Dysbiosis of the gut microbial community, caused by environmental risk factors, might be a potential pathogenic factor in the development and progression of PCOS. […] The origin, prevalence, and modulation of the PCOS phenotype may be affected by environmental pollutants, diet and lifestyle choices, genetic factors, obesity, and gut dysbiosis. […] Various studies have shown that environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals, insecticides, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), significantly affect human health and reproduction. Indeed, there is mounting evidence that environmental pollutants contribute to the development of PCOS. […] Numerous studies have found a positive correlation between PCOS incidence, smoking, and exposure to cigarette smoke. […] High-calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles might be possible causes of exacerbating PCOS. High-sugar diets may contribute to PCOS by altering gut flora, inducing chronic inflammation, increasing insulin resistance, and increasing androgen production.
#1
https://www.ovoria.com/blog/fertility/pcos
Inflammation: women suffering from low-grade inflammation might be more prone to develop PCOS. […] Lifestyle factors: obesity is often associated with PCOS, meaning that weight management and generally maintaining a healthy lifestyle help manage the disorder. […] Foetal development: researchers suggest that being exposed to certain factors (e.g. insulin resistance in the mother, androgen exposure) during foetal development may enhance the likelihood for developing PCOS.
#1 Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Practice Essentials, Background, Etiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/256806-overview
Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have abnormalities in the metabolism of androgens and estrogen and in the control of androgen production. PCOS can result from abnormal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. […] Although the exact etiopathophysiology of this condition is unclear, PCOS can result from abnormal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. A key characteristic of PCOS is inappropriate gonadotropin secretion, which is more likely a result of, rather than a cause of, ovarian dysfunction. In addition, one of the most consistent biochemical features of PCOS is a raised plasma testosterone level. […] High serum concentrations of androgenic hormones, such as testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), may be encountered in these patients. However, individual variation is considerable, and a particular patient might have normal androgen levels.
#1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
https://www.imrpress.com/journal/CEOG/51/5/10.31083/j.ceog5105126/htm
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, is characterized by hormonal imbalances, ovarian cysts, and irregular menstrual cycles. […] While the exact etiology of PCOS remains elusive, it is thought to be linked with genetic and epigenetic factors, insulin resistance (IR), and imbalances in sex hormones. […] PCOS has been associated with 11 gene loci according to PCOS genome-wide association studies (GWAS). […] The majority of women and adolescents with hyperandrogenic PCOS exhibit an increased LH levels, which imply increased gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse frequency, increased LH pulse amplitude, and exaggerated LH responses to exogenous GnRH. […] Excessive adrenal androgens, especially the increased secretion observed during puberty, may have a significant impact on the development of PCOS.
#1 Polycystic ovary syndrome – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycystic_ovary_syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder of uncertain cause. […] There is some evidence that it is a genetic disease. Such evidence includes the familial clustering of cases, greater concordance in monozygotic compared with dizygotic twins and heritability of endocrine and metabolic features of PCOS. […] It may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. […] Risk factors include obesity, a lack of physical exercise, and a family history of someone with the condition. […] The exact cause of PCOS remains uncertain, and treatment involves management of symptoms using medication. […] The genetic component appears to be inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion with high genetic penetrance but variable expressivity in females; this means that each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the predisposing genetic variant(s) from a parent.
#1 Genetic Basis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Current Perspective | TACG
https://www.dovepress.com/genetic-basis-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-current-perspectives-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-TACG
The genetic basis of PCOS was first reported by Cooper and colleagues in 1968. […] Studies on PCOS reported multiple relatives and siblings in families with autosomal dominant inheritance. […] The prevalence of PCOS in the first-degree relative of the proband that was found in nearly 55-60% in several small families supported the hypothesis of autosomal dominant inheritance of PCOS. […] Twin studies estimated 72% variance in risk of PCOS to be genetic in basis, highlighting the genetic involvement. […] The genetic basis of PCOS is different between families and within families but is related to a common pathway. […] Many studies have been conducted in multiple families to find the causative gene/mutation, but no true penetrance of a single gene mutation has been reported until now. […] Conclusively, PCOS is a polygenic and multifactorial syndromic disorder.
#1 Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | AAFP
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/0715/p106.html
The Endocrine Society advises clinicians to diagnose PCOS using the 2003 Rotterdam criteria, although recommendations differ across guidelines. […] Diagnosis requires the presence of at least two of the following three findings: hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. […] The differential diagnosis of PCOS is broad and includes both endocrinologic and malignant etiologies. […] There is no need to order laboratory testing for these conditions if the patient does not have suggestive physical findings. […] More research is needed to clarify the complex pathophysiology of PCOS. […] No single test is currently available for its diagnosis. […] Additionally, once diagnosis is established, the options for treatment are of limited number and effectiveness because they target only the symptoms of PCOS. […] Finally, patients with PCOS have higher rates of metabolic complications, such as cardiovascular disease, but their impact on mortality is not clear.
#1 Diagnosing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | NYU Langone Health
https://nyulangone.org/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/diagnosis
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which there is an imbalance in a womans hormones. […] But in a woman with PCOS, the ovaries, adrenal glands, or both overproduce androgens. […] High levels of androgens also interfere with the development of ovarian follicles, which produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone and release an egg when a woman ovulates. […] Women with PCOS may also experience insulin resistance, in which the body doesnt effectively use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. […] PCOS is a syndrome, not a disease. […] It is not fully understood what causes PCOS, but doctors believe that genes and environmental factors may play a role. […] Women who are not treated for PCOS may be at risk for developing conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, obesity, gestational diabetes, and high cholesterol. […] Women with the condition are also at risk of developing increased thickness of the uterine lining, called endometrial hyperplasia; uterine cancer; and having a preterm delivery and preeclampsia, in which a woman experiences high blood pressure during pregnancy.
#2 PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Symptoms & Treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8316-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that occurs when your ovaries (the organ that produces and releases eggs) create excess hormones. If you have PCOS, your ovaries produce unusually high levels of hormones called androgens. This causes your reproductive hormones to become imbalanced. As a result, people with PCOS often have irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods and unpredictable ovulation. […] The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Theres evidence that genetics play a role. Several other factors, most importantly obesity, also play a role in causing PCOS: […] Higher levels of male hormones called androgens: High androgen levels prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs, which causes irregular menstrual cycles. Irregular ovulation can also cause small, fluid-filled sacs to develop on your ovaries. High androgen also causes acne and excess hair growth in females.
#2 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms and Treatment
https://patient.info/womens-health/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-leaflet
The increase in LH causes the ovaries to preferentially make testosterone (the male hormone) rather than oestrogen (the female hormone). […] Hormone changes stop eggs from fully developing in the ovary and therefore reduce ovulation (making an egg each month). […] The cause of PCOS as far as we understand it is explained in the section 'What causes PCOS’. It is a condition that isn’t yet fully understood. PCOS does not have a clear pattern of inheritance as is the case for some other conditions, but it may run in families. […] Whilst many women with PCOS have obesity, this is not the case for everyone, and some may have insulin resistance without having obesity. However, it is definitely the case that for anyone with PCOS who also has obesity, losing weight will be beneficial and may make ovulation more likely.
#2 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
https://www.imrpress.com/journal/CEOG/51/5/10.31083/j.ceog5105126/htm
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, is characterized by hormonal imbalances, ovarian cysts, and irregular menstrual cycles. […] While the exact etiology of PCOS remains elusive, it is thought to be linked with genetic and epigenetic factors, insulin resistance (IR), and imbalances in sex hormones. […] PCOS has been associated with 11 gene loci according to PCOS genome-wide association studies (GWAS). […] The majority of women and adolescents with hyperandrogenic PCOS exhibit an increased LH levels, which imply increased gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse frequency, increased LH pulse amplitude, and exaggerated LH responses to exogenous GnRH. […] Excessive adrenal androgens, especially the increased secretion observed during puberty, may have a significant impact on the development of PCOS.
#2 Diabetes and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | Diabetes | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/risk-factors/pcos-polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html
PCOS is a condition where cysts (small sacs of fluid) develop on the ovaries. […] The exact causes of PCOS aren’t yet known. Imbalances in androgen levels (male reproductive hormones) may play an important part in PCOS. Family history of PCOS and overweight may also contribute. […] Women with PCOS often have insulin resistance. This is when their bodies make insulin, a key hormone in balancing blood sugar, but they can’t use it effectively. Insulin resistance increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
#2 Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) | Better Health Channel
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition that affects about 10% of women. […] We know that PCOS is a hormonal condition, but the exact cause is not fully understood. It may be associated with family history, genetics, lifestyle and environment. […] Its likely PCOS is linked to multiple genes. […] Its thought that increased levels of insulin cause the ovaries to work differently, which leads to high levels of androgens (male-type hormones). These hormones cause different PCOS symptoms. […] About 85% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which means the body blocks glucose from going into cells. This causes the body to make more insulin. Insulin resistance can be caused by genetic factors, or lifestyle factors such as being overweight. […] PCOS can affect women of all weight ranges. But a heavier weight can increase the hormones responsible for PCOS symptoms. Weight loss can normalise hormone production and lead to improvements in PCOS symptoms.
#2 PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Symptoms & Treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8316-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
Insulin resistance: An increase in insulin levels causes your ovaries to make and release male hormones (androgens). Increased male hormones suppress ovulation and contribute to other symptoms of PCOS. […] Low-grade inflammation: People with PCOS tend to have chronic low-grade inflammation. Your healthcare provider can perform blood tests that measure levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells, which can indicate the level of inflammation in your body. […] Researchers are learning more about the causes of PCOS. However, some evidence shows PCOS has a genetic or hereditary component. This means if your biological parent has PCOS, you may be more likely to have it, too.
#2 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatments | The American Journal of Patient Health Info
https://ajphi.org/ajphi/article/view/83
Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance is closely linked to PCOS and can lead to increased insulin in the blood. Increased insulin, in turn, stimulates the ovaries to produce more androgens, disrupting the normal hormonal balance and contributing to the symptoms of PCOS. […] Obesity: Obesity is strongly associated with PCOS. Excess body fat, particularly abdominal fat, can exacerbate insulin resistance and increase the production of androgens, further contributing to the hormonal imbalances seen in PCOS. […] Ethnicity: PCOS affects women of all ethnicities, but some groups may be at higher risk than others. Studies have found that women of South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic descent may have a higher prevalence of PCOS compared to women of other ethnic backgrounds.
#2 Symptoms and causes of PCOS | Jean Hailes
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/symptoms-and-causes-of-pcos
We dont know the exact cause of PCOS, but genetics and family history play an important role. PCOS may be associated with the hormone levels in your body before birth and your lifestyle or environment. […] The name polycystic ovary syndrome suggests the problem is mainly with the ovaries, and that you might have multiple cysts on your ovaries. But the cause of PCOS is hormonal. […] In some women diagnosed with PCOS, an ultrasound image of the ovaries shows multiple follicles in the ovaries. These are not cysts. They are eggs that havent developed properly. […] No single gene has been found to cause PCOS, so the link is likely to involve multiple genes. […] Its estimated that up to a third of women with PCOS have a relative who has PCOS (e.g. mother, aunt, sister or daughter). This may be higher in some ethnic groups.
#2 Genetic Basis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Current Perspective | TACG
https://www.dovepress.com/genetic-basis-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-current-perspectives-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-TACG
The genetic basis of PCOS was first reported by Cooper and colleagues in 1968. […] Studies on PCOS reported multiple relatives and siblings in families with autosomal dominant inheritance. […] The prevalence of PCOS in the first-degree relative of the proband that was found in nearly 55-60% in several small families supported the hypothesis of autosomal dominant inheritance of PCOS. […] Twin studies estimated 72% variance in risk of PCOS to be genetic in basis, highlighting the genetic involvement. […] The genetic basis of PCOS is different between families and within families but is related to a common pathway. […] Many studies have been conducted in multiple families to find the causative gene/mutation, but no true penetrance of a single gene mutation has been reported until now. […] Conclusively, PCOS is a polygenic and multifactorial syndromic disorder.
#2 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
https://www.healthline.com/health/polycystic-ovary-disease
Polycystic ovary syndrome is caused by an imbalance of androgens. […] Doctors dont know exactly what causes PCOS. They believe that high levels of male hormones prevent the ovaries from producing hormones and making eggs normally. […] Genes, insulin resistance, and inflammation have all been linked to excess androgen production. […] Studies show that PCOS runs in families. […] Up to 70 percent of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning that their cells cant use insulin properly. […] Women with PCOS often have increased levels of inflammation in their body. Being overweight can also contribute to inflammation. Studies have linked excess inflammation to higher androgen levels. […] Doctors dont know exactly what causes PCOS. They believe it stems from factors such as genes, insulin resistance, and higher levels of inflammation in the body.
#2 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
https://www.imrpress.com/journal/CEOG/51/5/10.31083/j.ceog5105126/htm
Several studies have shown that there are phenotypic differences in women with PCOS among different racial and ethnic groups. […] IR is a metabolic condition characterized by decreased cellular glucose utilization despite normal insulin levels, leading to compensatory hyperinsulinemia. […] Studies have shown that inflammation processes play a role in ovulation and the dynamics of ovarian follicles. […] Various lifestyle factors, including diet, stress, sleep disturbance, circadian disruption, and exposure to environmental chemicals have been investigated for their potential role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. […] Recent research in PCOS has revealed the involvement of ncRNAs in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. […] Oxidative stress occurs as a result of an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants.
#2 What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
https://www.everydayhealth.com/pcos/
Environmental factors: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A, which is often found in medical devices, housewares, and appliances, can increase a person’s risk of inflammation and PCOS. […] Lifestyle factors: Limited physical activity, a high-fat and low-fiber diet, and high stress levels may also play a role in the development of PCOS. […] While certain factors, such as family history, are not under your control, there are ways to minimize your risks and improve symptom severity. You can manage risk factors by: Avoiding environmental pollutants such as heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and cigarette smoke. […] The main cause of PCOS is not known, but both genetics and environmental factors may play a role.
#2 Symptoms and causes of PCOS | Jean Hailes
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/symptoms-and-causes-of-pcos
With PCOS, its thought that increased levels of insulin in the body causes the ovaries to work differently, which produces high levels of androgens (male-type hormones). These hormones cause various symptoms, such as irregular periods and hair and skin conditions. If the hormone levels are controlled, the ovaries often function normally and symptoms may improve. […] About 85% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance. If you are insulin resistant, your body blocks glucose from going into your cells. This causes your body to produce more insulin. Higher levels of insulin increases the production of androgens (male-type hormones) in your ovaries. […] Many women with PCOS have increased levels of androgens. This can cause symptoms such as excessive body hair growth, scalp hair loss, acne and irregular periods. […] Increased levels of androgens in women may also lead to eggs being underdeveloped. This can make it hard to get pregnant. […] A heavier weight can increase the hormones responsible for PCOS symptoms. Weight loss can normalise hormone production and lead to improvements in PCOS symptoms.
#2 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Current Management, and Future Therapeutics
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/4/1454
PCOS is a polygenic and multifaceted disorder, and it has been shown that certain genes, geneâgene interactions, or interactions between genes and the environment might affect a personâs propensity to develop PCOS. […] The gut microbiome is made up of approximately 10^13 to 10^14 microorganisms that collectively have almost 200 times more genes than the human genome, making it an âorganâ on its own. Gut dysbiosis appears to be the root of the inflammation and alteration of gut permeability, which can then affect a hostâs health. […] Numerous studies in recent years have examined the connection between PCOS and alterations in the gut microbiota. These investigations revealed a significant difference in the composition of the gut microbiome between healthy controls and PCOS patients.
#2 Polycystic ovary syndrome – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycystic_ovary_syndrome
The phenotype appears to manifest itself at least partially via heightened androgen levels secreted by ovarian follicle theca cells from women with the allele. […] Current understanding of the pathogenesis of the syndrome suggests, however, that it is a complex multigenic disorder. […] PCOS may be related to or worsened by exposures during the prenatal period, epigenetic factors, environmental impacts (especially industrial endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A and certain drugs) and the increasing rates of obesity. […] Endocrine disruptors can cause adverse health impacts in animals. […] The study of epigenetic changes in PCOS in utero or after birth has become an emerging area of research. […] Androgen excess is a central feature in the PCOS phenotype, and exposure in utero has shown PCOS-like features in adulthood.
#2 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Current Management, and Future Therapeutics
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9964744/
High-calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles might be possible causes of exacerbating PCOS. […] Obesity has been linked to PCOS development due to aberrant activity of the HPO axis. […] PCOS is a polygenic and multifaceted disorder, and it has been shown that certain genes, gene-gene interactions, or interactions between genes and the environment might affect a person’s propensity to develop PCOS. […] The gut microbiome is made up of approximately 1013 to 1014 microorganisms that collectively have almost 200 times more genes than the human genome, making it an organ on its own. […] Gut dysbiosis appears to be the root of the inflammation and alteration of gut permeability, which can then affect a host’s health. […] Recent research has found differences in the expression of certain miRNAs between women with PCOS and healthy women, suggesting that miRNAs may be crucial in the emergence and progression of PCOS.
#2 Polycystic ovary syndrome: MedlinePlus GeneticsLock
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that affects women in their child-bearing years and alters the levels of multiple hormones, resulting in problems affecting many body systems. […] The causes of polycystic ovary syndrome are complex. This condition results from a combination of genetic, health, and lifestyle factors, some of which have not been identified. Common variations (polymorphisms) in several genes have been associated with the risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome. […] Genes that are involved in many body processes are thought to play a role in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome. The main contributors are likely genetic variants that increase the production of androgens and other sex hormones such as luteinizing hormone and anti-Mullerian hormone, which both play key roles in ovulation.
#2 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, Tests, and Treatment
https://www.webmd.com/women/what-is-pcos
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects your ovaries, the female reproductive organs that make eggs. […] Doctors dont know exactly what causes the syndrome. But things that are thought to be involved include: […] High levels of androgens. This condition, called hyperandrogenism, affects most people with PCOS. […] Insulin resistance. Extra insulin can affect your ovaries and their ability to release eggs (ovulate). It can also make it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. […] Long-term, low-grade inflammation. This also contributes to your body’s overproduction of androgens. […] The genetic link to PCOS isn’t clear, but you’re more likely to get it if your close relatives also have it. Some 20%-40% of those with PCOS have a mother or sister with the condition. This may be related to similar lifestyles as well as to genes.
#2 PCOS | Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/polycysticovarysyndrome.html
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the name for set of symptoms that are related to an imbalance of hormones. PCOS affects the ovaries, as well as many other parts of the body. […] The exact cause of PCOS in unknown. Research has shown that different factors may play a role, including: […] Genetics. PCOS tends to run in families. […] Imbalances in androgen levels. […] Insulin resistance. This is a condition in which your body can’t use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps move blood glucose (sugar) into your cells to give them energy. Insulin resistance can lead to high blood glucose levels. […] Although there are links between PCOS and these conditions, researchers do not know whether: PCOS causes some of these problems […] Some of these problems cause PCOS, or […] There are other conditions that cause both PCOS and these other health problems.