Zespół policystycznych jajników
Etiologia i przyczyny

Zespół policystycznych jajników (PCOS) to wieloczynnikowe zaburzenie endokrynologiczne i metaboliczne, dotykające 5-10% kobiet w wieku rozrodczym, z silnym komponentem genetycznym odpowiadającym za około 70% patogenezy. Kluczowe mechanizmy obejmują hiperandrogenizm, zaburzenia osi podwzgórze-przysadka-jajniki (m.in. podwyższony poziom LH), insulinooporność (obecną u 50-90% pacjentek) oraz przewlekły stan zapalny o niskim nasileniu. Dysregulacja enzymów steroidogennych, zwłaszcza cytochromu P450 CYP17, prowadzi do nadprodukcji androgenów, które hamują owulację i powodują objawy kliniczne (hirsutyzm, trądzik, łysienie androgenowe). Insulinooporność i hiperandrogenizm tworzą błędne koło, nasilane przez otyłość (występującą u 38-88% pacjentek), co pogłębia zaburzenia metaboliczne i hormonalne. Czynniki środowiskowe, takie jak ekspozycja na endokrynne disruptory (EDC), oraz dysbioza mikrobioty jelitowej również odgrywają istotną rolę w patogenezie PCOS.

Etiologia zespołu policystycznych jajników

Zespół policystycznych jajników (PCOS) to złożone zaburzenie endokrynologiczne i metaboliczne, które dotyka około 5-10% kobiet w wieku rozrodczym. Jest to najczęstsza endokrynopatia występująca u kobiet i główna przyczyna niepłodności związanej z brakiem owulacji. Pomimo powszechnego występowania, dokładna etiologia PCOS pozostaje niejasna i prawdopodobnie ma charakter wieloczynnikowy, obejmujący interakcje między czynnikami genetycznymi, hormonalnymi, metabolicznymi i środowiskowymi12.

Czynniki genetyczne

Badania wykazują silny komponent genetyczny w patogenezie PCOS. Szacuje się, że około 70% patogenezy PCOS można przypisać czynnikom genetycznym, co potwierdzają badania na bliźniętach oraz dane wskazujące na wyższą konkordancję u bliźniąt monozygotycznych w porównaniu z dizygotycznymi12. PCOS wykazuje tendencję do występowania rodzinnego, a osoby z matką lub siostrą z PCOS mają zwiększone ryzyko rozwoju tego zaburzenia1.

Badania asocjacyjne całego genomu (GWAS) zidentyfikowały wiele loci genetycznych związanych z PCOS. Geny te są zaangażowane w różne procesy, w tym1:

  • Insulinooporność
  • Steroidogenezę jajnikową
  • Biosyntezę hormonów steroidowych
  • Szlak sygnałowy PI3K-Akt
  • Niedobór reduktazy kortyzonu nadnerczy
  • Dysregulację gonadotropową

Szczególne zainteresowanie budzą geny zaangażowane w produkcję androgenów i innych hormonów płciowych, takich jak hormon luteinizujący (LH) i hormon antymüllerowski (AMH), które odgrywają kluczową rolę w owulacji. Jednym z potencjalnych markerów ryzyka zidentyfikowanych w badaniach jest gen DENND1A (Differentially Expressed in Normal and Neoplastic Development isoform A1)12.

Należy jednak zauważyć, że pomimo silnego komponentu genetycznego, zidentyfikowane dotychczas loci genetyczne odpowiadają jedynie za około 10% przypadków PCOS, co sugeruje istnienie innych nieznanych czynników lub mechanizmów epigenetycznych1.

Zaburzenia hormonalne

Zaburzenia równowagi hormonalnej stanowią centralny element patofizjologii PCOS. Kluczowe aspekty tych zaburzeń obejmują12:

Hiperandrogenizm

Podwyższony poziom androgenów (hiperandrogenizm) jest jedną z głównych cech PCOS. U kobiet z tym zespołem jajniki, a często również nadnercza, wytwarzają nadmierne ilości androgenów, szczególnie testosteronu1. Podwyższony poziom androgenów może1:

  • Hamować prawidłowy rozwój pęcherzyków jajnikowych
  • Zapobiegać owulacji
  • Powodować nieregularne cykle miesiączkowe
  • Prowadzić do objawów klinicznych, takich jak hirsutyzm, trądzik i łysienie androgenowe

Przyczyny zwiększonej produkcji androgenów nie są w pełni zrozumiałe, ale mogą obejmować zaburzenia enzymatyczne w steroidogenezie, w tym dysregulację enzymu P450 CYP17, który jest kluczowy w biosyntezie androgenów12.

Zaburzenia osi podwzgórze-przysadka-jajniki

U kobiet z PCOS obserwuje się również zaburzenia w osi podwzgórze-przysadka-jajniki. Wykazano, że większość kobiet i nastolatek z hiperandrogenicznym PCOS ma podwyższony poziom hormonu luteinizującego (LH), co sugeruje zwiększoną częstotliwość pulsów hormonu uwalniającego gonadotropinę (GnRH), zwiększoną amplitudę pulsu LH i wyolbrzymione odpowiedzi LH na egzogenny GnRH1.

Zaburzenia te obejmują1:

  • Podwyższony poziom hormonu luteinizującego (LH) – stymuluje owulację, ale może mieć nieprawidłowy wpływ na jajniki, gdy poziom jest zbyt wysoki
  • Niski poziom globuliny wiążącej hormony płciowe (SHBG) – białko we krwi, które wiąże testosteron i zmniejsza jego działanie
  • Podwyższony poziom prolaktyny (tylko u niektórych kobiet z PCOS) – hormon, który stymuluje gruczoły piersiowe do produkcji mleka w ciąży

Te zaburzenia hormonalne tworzą błędne koło, w którym podwyższony poziom androgenów prowadzi do zmniejszenia częstotliwości owulacji, co z kolei prowadzi do dalszych zmian w równowadze hormonalnej12.

Insulinooporność i hiperinsulinemia

Insulinooporność jest powszechnym zjawiskiem u kobiet z PCOS, dotykającym około 50-90% pacjentek1. W insulinooporności komórki ciała nie reagują prawidłowo na insulinę, co prowadzi do kompensacyjnego wzrostu poziomu insuliny we krwi (hiperinsulinemii)12.

Podwyższony poziom insuliny może przyczyniać się do patogenezy PCOS na kilka sposobów12:

  • Stymulowanie produkcji androgenów przez jajniki i nadnercza
  • Hamowanie produkcji globuliny wiążącej hormony płciowe (SHBG) w wątrobie, co zwiększa dostępność wolnych androgenów
  • Bezpośrednie działanie na pęcherzyki jajnikowe, wpływając na ich rozwój i owulację

Dokładna przyczyna insulinooporności u kobiet z PCOS nie jest jeszcze w pełni zrozumiała, ale może być związana z czynnikami genetycznymi, otyłością i przewlekłym stanem zapalnym1. Istnieje również silna korelacja między insulinoopornością a hiperandrogenizmem, co sugeruje wzajemne oddziaływanie tych procesów w patogenezie PCOS1.

Przewlekły stan zapalny

Coraz więcej dowodów wskazuje na rolę przewlekłego stanu zapalnego o niskim nasileniu w patogenezie PCOS12. Badania wykazały, że kobiety z PCOS mają podwyższone poziomy markerów stanu zapalnego, co może przyczyniać się do rozwoju insulinooporności i hiperandrogenizmu1.

Stan zapalny o niskim nasileniu może1:

  • Stymulować jajniki do produkcji androgenów
  • Przyczyniać się do insulinooporności
  • Wpływać na rozwój pęcherzyków jajnikowych i owulację
  • Zwiększać ryzyko metabolicznych i sercowo-naczyniowych powikłań PCOS

Zależność między stanem zapalnym, insulinoopornością i hiperandrogenizmem tworzy złożoną sieć interakcji, która może przyczyniać się do utrwalenia i progresji PCOS1.

Czynniki środowiskowe i styl życia

Czynniki środowiskowe i związane ze stylem życia mogą odgrywać istotną rolę w rozwoju i progresji PCOS, szczególnie u osób z genetyczną predyspozycją12.

Otyłość i nadwaga

Otyłość jest powszechna wśród osób z PCOS, dotykając 38-88% pacjentek1. Nadmierna masa ciała może zaostrzać objawy PCOS poprzez12:

  • Zwiększenie insulinooporności
  • Nasilenie produkcji androgenów
  • Pogorszenie zaburzeń metabolicznych
  • Nasilenie stanu zapalnego

Co istotne, PCOS może występować u kobiet o różnej masie ciała, ale zwiększona masa ciała może nasilać zaburzenia hormonalne. Utrata masy ciała może normalizować produkcję hormonów i prowadzić do poprawy objawów PCOS1.

Dieta i styl życia

Czynniki związane z dietą i stylem życia mogą wpływać na PCOS poprzez12:

  • Wpływ na insulinooporność – wysoka konsumpcja węglowodanów może nasilać hiperinsulinemię
  • Modulację stanu zapalnego – dieta prozapalna może nasilać przewlekły stan zapalny
  • Wpływ na skład ciała – brak aktywności fizycznej może sprzyjać przyrostowi masy ciała i pogorszeniu insulinooporności
  • Zaburzenia rytmu dobowego – zaburzenia snu i rytmu dobowego mogą wpływać na metabolizm i produkcję hormonów
Ekspozycja na związki zaburzające gospodarkę hormonalną

Badania sugerują, że ekspozycja na zanieczyszczenia środowiskowe, w tym metale ciężkie, pestycydy i związki zaburzające funkcjonowanie układu endokrynologicznego (EDC), może przyczyniać się do rozwoju PCOS12.

Związki te mogą1:

  • Zaburzać funkcję osi podwzgórze-przysadka-jajniki
  • Wpływać na syntezę i metabolizm hormonów płciowych
  • Przyczyniać się do rozwoju insulinooporności
  • Nasilać stan zapalny

Istnieje hipoteza, że ekspozycja rozwojowa na określone EDC może trwale zmieniać regulację metaboliczną, reprodukcyjną i neuroendokrynologiczną w sposób sprzyjający rozwojowi PCOS u osób predysponowanych genetycznie lub może przyspieszać i/lub zaostrzać naturalny przebieg zespołu w trakcie ekspozycji w ciągu życia1.

Dysbioza mikrobioty jelitowej

Nowsze badania zwracają uwagę na potencjalną rolę mikrobioty jelitowej w patogenezie PCOS12. Mikrobiom jelitowy, składający się z około 10^13 do 10^14 mikroorganizmów, ma prawie 200 razy więcej genów niż ludzki genom, co czyni go funkcjonalnym „organem”1.

Dysbioza mikrobioty jelitowej może przyczyniać się do PCOS poprzez1:

  • Indukcję stanu zapalnego o niskim nasileniu
  • Zmianę przepuszczalności jelit i translokację endotoksyn
  • Wpływ na metabolizm hormonów płciowych
  • Modulację wrażliwości na insulinę

Badania wskazują, że różnorodność i struktura mikrobioty jelitowej u kobiet z PCOS może być zaburzona przez insulinooporność, poziom hormonów płciowych i otyłość1.

Czynniki wewnątrzmaciczne i rozwojowe

Istnieją dowody sugerujące, że czynniki działające podczas rozwoju płodowego mogą predysponować do PCOS w późniejszym życiu1. Należą do nich:

Ekspozycja na androgeny w okresie płodowym

Hipoteza ta sugeruje, że ekspozycja rozwijającego się płodu żeńskiego na podwyższony poziom androgenów może prowadzić do programowania rozwojowego, które predysponuje do PCOS w wieku dorosłym1.

Skutki takiej ekspozycji mogą obejmować1:

  • Zmiany w różnicowaniu komórek tekalnych
  • Zaburzenia w regulacji osi podwzgórze-przysadka-jajniki
  • Predyspozycję do męskiego typu dystrybucji tkanki tłuszczowej u potomstwa płci żeńskiej
  • Zmiany w funkcjonowaniu metabolicznym
Zaburzenia odżywienia płodu

Zaburzenia odżywienia płodu, takie jak wewnątrzmaciczne zahamowanie wzrostu lub narażenie na matczyną otyłość i cukrzycę ciążową, również mogą zwiększać ryzyko rozwoju PCOS1.

Zmiany epigenetyczne

Czynniki epigenetyczne, takie jak hipermetylacja komórek ziarnistych w jajniku, mogą hamować ekspresję genów i przyczyniać się do rozwoju PCOS1. Zmiany epigenetyczne są zmianami, które zmieniają sposób odczytywania sekwencji DNA przez organizm, ale nie zmieniają samej sekwencji DNA1.

Złożona patofizjologia PCOS

Patofizjologia PCOS obejmuje złożoną sieć interakcji między różnymi procesami, które ostatecznie prowadzą do głównych cech klinicznych tego zespołu: hiperandrogenizmu, zaburzeń owulacji i policystycznych jajników12.

Nieprawidłowa steroidogeneza jajnikowa

U kobiet z PCOS występują zaburzenia w steroidogenezie jajnikowej, które prowadzą do nadmiernej produkcji androgenów12. Kluczowe zaburzenia obejmują:

  • Dysregulację enzymów szlaku steroidogenezy, szczególnie cytochromu P450 CYP17, który jest kluczowy w biosyntezie androgenów1
  • Hiperplazję komórek tekalnych jajników, które są głównym źródłem produkcji androgenów1
  • Zwiększoną zdolność steroidogenną komórek tekalnych w odpowiedzi na LH1

Nadmierne androgeny hamują rozwój pęcherzyków jajnikowych, powodując brak dojrzewania pęcherzyków dominujących i brak owulacji1.

Zaburzenia osi HPG i nieprawidłowy rozwój pęcherzyków

U kobiet z PCOS występują zaburzenia w osi podwzgórze-przysadka-gonady (HPG), które przyczyniają się do zaburzeń owulacji1.

Podwyższony poziom androgenów powoduje brak ujemnego sprzężenia zwrotnego na oś podwzgórze-przysadka, co prowadzi do zwiększonej częstotliwości pulsów GnRH i zwiększonego wydzielania LH1. Zwiększone LH stymuluje komórki tekalne jajników do szybkiej proliferacji, co prowadzi do zwiększonej zdolności steroidogennej i w konsekwencji do zwiększonej produkcji androgenów1.

U kobiet z PCOS pęcherzyki jajnikowe nie rozwijają się do rozmiaru umożliwiającego uwolnienie komórki jajowej, co prowadzi do braku owulacji i powstawania licznych małych pęcherzyków na jajnikach, dających obraz policystycznych jajników w badaniu ultrasonograficznym1.

Błędne koło insulinooporności i hiperandrogenizmu

Insulinooporność i hiperandrogenizm tworzą błędne koło w patofizjologii PCOS1:

  • Insulinooporność prowadzi do hiperinsulinemii, która stymuluje produkcję androgenów przez jajniki1
  • Podwyższony poziom androgenów nasila insulinooporność1
  • Otyłość, często towarzysząca PCOS, pogłębia insulinooporność1
  • Przewlekły stan zapalny przyczynia się zarówno do insulinooporności, jak i hiperandrogenizmu1

Te wzajemne interakcje przyczyniają się do utrzymywania i progresji PCOS1.

Implikacje kliniczne

Zrozumienie złożonej etiologii PCOS ma istotne implikacje kliniczne, ponieważ wpływa na podejście do diagnostyki, leczenia i zapobiegania powikłaniom1.

Zróżnicowane fenotypy PCOS

PCOS jest heterogennym zaburzeniem z różnymi fenotypami klinicznymi, co odzwierciedla różnorodność czynników etiologicznych1. Zrozumienie etiologii u konkretnej pacjentki może pomóc w ukierunkowaniu leczenia na specyficzne mechanizmy patofizjologiczne1.

Ryzyko powikłań długotermoiowych

Etiologia PCOS wiąże się z ryzykiem długoterminowych powikłań metabolicznych i sercowo-naczyniowych12:

Ponadto, kobiety z PCOS mają zwiększone ryzyko zaburzeń psychicznych, w tym depresji i lęku1.

Implikacje dla leczenia

Zrozumienie wieloczynnikowej etiologii PCOS wpływa na podejście terapeutyczne1:

  • Modyfikacja stylu życia (dieta, aktywność fizyczna) może poprawiać insulinooporność i zmniejszać objawy PCOS1
  • Leki uwrażliwiające na insulinę (np. metformina) mogą być skuteczne u pacjentek z insulinoopornością1
  • Leczenie przeciwandrogenowe może być ukierunkowane na hiperandrogenizm1
  • Doustne środki antykoncepcyjne mogą regulować cykl miesiączkowy i zmniejszać poziom androgenów1

Indywidualizacja leczenia, oparta na dominujących mechanizmach patofizjologicznych u danej pacjentki, może prowadzić do lepszych wyników klinicznych1.

Podsumowanie etiologii PCOS

Zespół policystycznych jajników jest złożonym, wieloczynnikowym zaburzeniem, którego dokładna etiologia pozostaje nie w pełni wyjaśniona. Obecny stan wiedzy wskazuje na interakcje między czynnikami genetycznymi, zaburzeniami hormonalnymi (szczególnie hiperandrogenizmem), insulinoopornością, przewlekłym stanem zapalnym, czynnikami środowiskowymi i stylem życia12.

Te różnorodne czynniki etiologiczne mogą różnie wpływać na poszczególne pacjentki, co tłumaczy heterogenność fenotypów klinicznych PCOS i zróżnicowaną odpowiedź na leczenie1. Lepsze zrozumienie złożonej etiologii PCOS może prowadzić do bardziej ukierunkowanych, spersonalizowanych podejść terapeutycznych i skuteczniejszego zapobiegania długoterminowym powikłaniom1.

Kontynuacja badań nad interakcjami między czynnikami genetycznymi, hormonalnymi, metabolicznymi i środowiskowymi w patogenezie PCOS jest kluczowa dla opracowania skuteczniejszych strategii diagnostycznych i terapeutycznych dla kobiet dotkniętych tym powszechnym zaburzeniem endokrynologicznym12.

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  1. 10.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

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. […] While 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 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
    https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/causes/
    The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not known. […] It may be linked to: […] insulin resistance […] hormone imbalance […] your ovaries not working properly. […] High levels of insulin causes your ovaries to make too much testosterone. […] Many women with PCOS have an imbalance in certain hormones. […] If you have PCOS, you may make more testosterone than usual. […] If LH levels are too high, it can affect your ovaries. […] PCOS sometimes runs in families.
  • #1 Immunological and Metabolic Causes of Infertility in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
    https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/11/6/1567
    Infertility has been recognized as a civilizational disease. One of the most common causes of infertility is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Closely interrelated immunometabolic mechanisms underlie the development of this complex syndrome and lead to infertility. The direct cause of infertility in PCOS is ovulation and implantation disorders caused by low-grade inflammation of ovarian tissue and endometrium which, in turn, result from immune and metabolic system disorders. The etiology of PCOS is multifactorial. The disorders occurring in this endocrinopathy are the result of a complex interaction of genetic, epigenetic, gender, racial, environmental, and stochastic factors. PCOS not only affects the reproductive system but the entire body and accompanies the patient throughout their life. One of the links that have been recognized in the pathogenesis of PCOS is insulin resistance (IR), which is induced by inflammation and hormonal dysfunctions originating in adipose tissue. Abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism cause low-grade inflammation in the endothelium. On the other hand, the presence of chronic inflammation may contribute to the development of IR, which is enhanced by adipokines released from adipose tissue. IR also contributes to the excessive secretion of androgens in the absence or reduced production of appropriate concentrations of progesterone, resulting from ovulation disorders. IR-induced disorders are sustained and further aggravated by hormonal and metabolic dysfunctions leading to immune dysregulation. Together, these mechanisms lead to the “vicious circle effect”, giving rise to numerous systemic disorders in PCOS. The result is an abnormal growth of ovarian follicles and disturbed oocyte maturation, as well as the dysfunction of endometrial receptivity, which all contribute to infertility. It has long been known that there are genetic factors associated with the inheritance of PCOS. However, the high heterogeneity of the described gene sets does not allow for an unambiguous determination of the PCOS genotype. Although the contribution of genes is estimated to be 72%, the genetic loci that have so far been identified as determining the occurrence of this syndrome account for only about 10%. Most research suggests that the mechanisms triggering PCOS result from epigenetic changes, including the glycation of the final products of specific genes. These post-translational modifications depend on the environment of the maternal organism, which is increasingly influenced by civilizational factors leading to obesity and hormonal and immunological disorders involved in the pathomechanism of PCOS in the developing fetus.
  • #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 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | Cedars-Sinai
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/p/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html
    Polycystic ovary syndrome, otherwise known as PCOS, is caused by a hormone imbalance that interferes with normal ovulation. […] Hirsutism, acne or androgenic alopecia can be the result of increased production of male hormone, called androgens, in women with PCOS. […] The ovaries, and frequently the adrenals of women with PCOS overproduce androgens. […] There is evidence to suggest that long-standing elevations in androgens in women with PCOS can lead to problems with cholesterol and other lipid levels, which are risk factors for heart disease. […] Many women with PCOS have some degree of insulin resistance. […] The exact cause of insulin resistance in women with PCOS is not yet clear. […] It is also important to note that there appears to be an association between having PCOS, being overweight and an increased risk of developing diabetes.
  • #1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | ACOG
    https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
    What causes PCOS? […] Although the cause of PCOS is not known, PCOS may be related to many different factors working together. These factors include insulin resistance, increased levels of hormones called androgens, and an irregular menstrual cycle. […] When higher than normal levels of androgens are produced, the ovaries may be prevented from releasing an egg each month (a process called ovulation). High androgen levels also cause the unwanted hair growth and acne seen in many women with PCOS. […] Irregular menstrual periods can lead to infertility and, in some women, the development of numerous small fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries.
  • #1 Hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovarian syndrome and role of CYP gene variants: a review | Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics | Full Text
    https://jmhg.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43042-019-0031-4
    It has been hypothesized that exposure of the fetus to androgen excess in utero results in hypersecretion of luteinizing hormone, alteration in the differentiation process of thecal cells, and male-type fat distribution in female offspring. […] Genes involved in steroid synthesis especially cytochrome P450 are considered as candidate genes in the pathophysiology of PCOS. […] Heterogeneity in clinical features, as well as genetic variations observed in PCOS, is associated with hyperandrogenic condition indicating the possible involvement of abnormalities associated with the steroidogenic pathway. […] Among those, the most extensively studied genes are the CYP11A gene (cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme gene), CYP17 gene (cytochrome P450 17-hydroxylase/17, 20-desmolase gene), and CYP19 gene (aromatase).
  • #1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
    https://www.imrpress.com/journal/CEOG/51/5/10.31083/j.ceog5105126/htm
    Objective: The review aims to provide an overview of the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment methods of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Mechanism: The etiology of PCOS is multifaceted, intricately intertwined with genetic determinants, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, adrenal androgen excess, ethnic predilections, insulin resistance, persistent inflammatory cascades, lifestyle variables, non-coding RNA (ncRNA), and oxidative stress manifestations. […] 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.
  • #1
    https://www.aurorahealthcare.org/services/womens-health/services-treatments/pcos-polycystic-ovary-syndrome
    PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects your reproductive system, metabolism and overall health. […] It is caused by your ovaries producing excess hormones, leading to hormonal imbalances that can cause irregular periods, ovarian cysts and difficulty ovulating. […] While the exact cause of PCOS isnt fully understood, factors like insulin resistance, abnormal hormone levels and adrenal gland function may contribute to you getting PCOS. […] Several hormones play a role in PCOS, contributing to symptoms such as irregular periods, excess hair growth and weight gain. […] Many people with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning their body doesnt use insulin effectively. This can lead to high insulin levels, which may contribute to weight gain and increased testosterone production. […] In PCOS, LH levels may be elevated, which can disrupt your normal ovulation cycle and contribute to infertility.
  • #1 Causes of PCOS and Common Risk Factors
    https://www.everydayhealth.com/pcos/causes-risk-factors/
    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can affect females of reproductive age. Researchers dont know exactly what causes PCOS, but some key factors, like genes, stress, and hormones, may play a role. PCOS is a highly heritable condition, which means that it runs in families and has a strong genetic component. So far, researchers have found 19 genes that are strongly associated with PCOS. A genetic predisposition doesnt necessarily mean youll develop the condition. An imbalance of sex hormones also seems to contribute. People with PCOS commonly have higher levels of male sex hormones, called androgens. Another hormone that may be involved in PCOS is insulin. Insulin helps the bodys cells take up glucose from the blood and use it as energy. In some people, the cells have an increased tolerance to insulin, so they dont respond to the hormone as well as they should. This condition is called insulin resistance, and about 50-90 percent of people with PCOS have it. Some evidence suggests that chronic inflammation may play a role in PCOS. Obesity is common among people with PCOS, affecting 38-88 percent of those with the disorder. Stress and anxiety can contribute to PCOS by raising levels of cortisol, the bodys stress hormone. Genes, inflammation, obesity, insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, and even stress can all affect a persons risk of developing PCOS.
  • #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: […] Too much insulin might cause your body to make too much of the male hormone androgen. […] 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 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
    https://www.imrpress.com/journal/CEOG/51/5/10.31083/j.ceog5105126/htm
    Excessive adrenal androgens, especially the increased secretion observed during puberty, may have a significant impact on the development of PCOS. […] 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.
  • #1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
    https://www.upmc.com/services/womens-health/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive hormone problem where a hormonal imbalance affects the ovaries ability to make and release eggs during the menstrual cycle. […] PCOS does not have a known cause. It may be the result of several factors, including: […] Genetics. PCOS often is found in mothers, daughters, and female siblings. […] High levels of androgens, which prevent ovulation and can cause extra hair growth, male-pattern baldness, or acne. […] High levels of insulin, a hormone that controls how the food that you consume becomes energy. […] Low-grade inflammation may stimulate androgen production and lead to PCOS. […] PCOS has been linked to other health problems. Doctors aren’t sure if PCOS causes these health problems, if these health problems cause PCOS, or if both are caused by other conditions. […] If left untreated, PCOS symptoms can lead to serious medical issues, such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and infertility. […] The risk of PCOS-related health problems, like heart attack, stroke, and diabetes, increases with age.
  • #1 Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Causes, Complications and Treatments
    https://www.drvinayakdas.com/blog/understanding-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-causes-complications-and-treatments
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterized by the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. […] While the exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, research suggests a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. […] Women with a family history of PCOS or related conditions such as diabetes are at higher risk. Several genes have been linked to the condition, indicating a hereditary component. […] PCOS is primarily a hormonal disorder. Women with PCOS have higher levels of androgens, which can interfere with the normal function of the ovaries, resulting in irregular ovulation and menstruation. […] A significant number of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. This can lead to elevated insulin levels, which can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens. […] Women with PCOS often have low-grade inflammation that can stimulate polycystic ovaries to produce androgens, which further exacerbates the condition.
  • #1 What Are the Main Causes of PCOS? | Knowell
    https://www.knowell.com/blogs/news/main-causes-of-pcos?srsltid=AfmBOooA4nDPHY2EHsnCkbde7RlypDq_G-6m3BjqpNuX9N5d2pInimRD
    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 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.
  • #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 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 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Current Management, and Future Therapeutics
    https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/4/1454
    The high consumption of carbohydrates, hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenemia, and persistent low-grade inflammation are the four key contributors to pathophysiological alterations in PCOS. […] 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 10^13 to 10^14 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.
  • #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. […] Various studies have shown that environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals, insecticides, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), significantly affect human health and reproduction. […] It is conceivable that developmental exposure to particular EDCs could alter metabolic, reproductive, and neuroendocrine regulation permanently in ways that favor PCOS development in people who are genetically predisposed to it, or that it could hasten and/or exacerbate the syndrome’s natural course throughout life cycle exposure. […] 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.
  • #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
    A strong family history of PCOS significantly increases your chances of developing the condition. […] While specific genes have yet to be definitively identified, researchers believe multiple genetic factors contribute to the likelihood of developing PCOS. […] Hormonal imbalances are central to the development of PCOS, and understanding these disruptions is key to managing the condition effectively. […] Two major hormonal factors that contribute to PCOS are elevated androgen levels and insulin resistance, both of which play a critical role in symptom severity and overall health. […] Insulin resistance is another key factor in PCOS, occurring when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. […] Many everyday products contain endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with hormonal function. […] 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://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9964744/
    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. […] Studies indicate that the diversity and structure of the gut microbiota in PCOS-affected women may be impacted by insulin resistance, sex hormone levels, and obesity.
  • #1 Etiology and pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/etiology-and-pathophysiology-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-in-adolescents
    Endometrial carcinoma is more closely related to obesity and hormonal traits than to genetic PCOS risk factors. […] This presentation of the etiology and pathophysiology of PCOS provides the rationale for the diagnosis and management of PCOS in adolescents. […] Etiology […] Heritable traits […] Maternal polycystic ovary syndrome […] Polycystic ovary morphology […] Hyperandrogenemia […] Metabolic syndrome […] Genetic variation […] Epigenetic changes […] Intrauterine environment […] Congenital virilization […] Disturbed fetal nutrition […] Postnatal environment […] Insulin resistance […] Hyperandrogenism […] Other precipitants and risk factors.
  • #1 What is polycystic ovary syndrome and how does it affect fertility? Causes, symptoms, treatment and genetic testing | Medicover Genetics
    https://medicover-genetics.com/what-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-and-how-does-it-affect-fertility-causes-symptoms-treatment-and-genetic-testing/
    PCOS is a multifactorial disease, as it is caused by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors such as hereditary genetic changes, insulin resistance, increased levels of inflammation, stress, poor diet, nutrition, and environmental toxins. […] Despite its high prevalence, the exact causes of the syndrome are still not fully understood. […] Familial clustering and twin studies suggest that PCOS has a genetic component. Indeed, as more and more studies research the genes associated with PCOS, it becomes clear that it is a polygenic disorder due to the involvement of multiple genes. An estimated 241 genes and 114 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) are associated with PCOS, as reported in 2016. […] Epigenetic changes are also important in the etiology of PCOS. These are changes that alter how the body reads a DNA sequence, but do not alter the DNA sequence itself. The epigenetic inheritance of PCOS-like traits has been demonstrated in mice and may also be applicable in humans.
  • #1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Current Management, and Future Therapeutics
    https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/4/1454
    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. […] 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 Hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovarian syndrome and role of CYP gene variants: a review | Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics | Full Text
    https://jmhg.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43042-019-0031-4
    Dysregulated P450 CYP17 enzyme is thought to be one of the causes of ovarian hyperandrogenism found in PCOS. […] Therefore, abnormalities in androgen production lead to hyperandrogenism in PCOS. […] The increase in androgen is contributed to the dysregulation of enzymes involved in steroid synthesis pathway and hyperplasia of theca cells of ovaries of the affected women. Increased androgens cause a lack of negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis resulting in increased GnRH pulse frequency. Increased LH stimulates theca cells of ovaries to undergo rapid proliferation which further results in increased steroidogenic capacity and hence increased androgen production.
  • #1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment | MedPark Hospital
    https://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/disease-and-treatment/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
    In PCOS, there are reproductive hormone imbalances, with higher levels of androgens, LH, FSH, and lower levels of estrogens and progesterones. […] This hormonal imbalance is thought to contribute to ovarian dysfunction, which disrupts ovulation and can lead to irregular periods. […] However, in women with PCOS, the follicles fail to grow to the size they can release an egg. There is an imbalance of hormones with elevated levels of LH and androgens but lower estrogens and progesterones. Some believe an increase in androgens is also due to elevated insulin secondary to insulin resistance. […] People with insulin resistance require higher insulin levels to maintain glucose in a healthy range. Hyperinsulinemia is commonly present in women with PCOS. Obese women with PCOS are three-fold more likely to be at risk for prediabetes. Apart from obesity, a family history of diabetes, race, and ethnicity are also risk factors for developing diabetes in women with PCOS.
  • #1 What doctors wish patients knew about polycystic ovary syndrome | American Medical Association
    https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/population-care/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-polycystic-ovary-syndrome
    Because insulin is too high, that makes your ovaries overproduce testosterone, Dr. Sherman said. So, insulin resistance puts you at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancers and autoimmune conditions. […] In women with PCOS, they can have oligomenorrhea decreased menstrual cycles or irregular and heavy bleeding, Dr. LaPlante said. […] Now not everyone who has irregular periods has PCOS, but cycle irregularity is a big symptom. […] A big part of testing for PCOS and the lab work is to rule out other causes, said Dr. Sherman. […] So, we really put together all these labs and we rule out other causes. And once many things have been ruled out, then it leaves PCOS as the remaining diagnosis, she said. […] The fertility rate is different about 85% for the general population and about 50% for the PCOS population with frequent unprotected sex for a year, Dr. LaPlante said.
  • #1 Polycystic Ovaries: Causes – Ezra
    https://ezra.com/blog/polycystic-ovaries-causes
    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in women thats the culmination of an imbalance in reproductive hormones, which ultimately leads to ovarian issues. There are a host of factors that could influence ones likelihood of developing the condition, but what are the exact causes that could lead to its development? […] The Office on Womens Health lists two major causes behind PCOS: […] High insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone in control of converting food into energy; when your body becomes resistant to insulin, your cells cant normally respond to it, resulting in high levels of insulin in the blood. Many women with PCOSespecially those who are overweight or obese, eat unhealthily, have a family history of diabetes, or dont get enough physical activityalso have insulin resistance.
  • #1
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/
    The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it often runs in families. […] It’s related to abnormal hormone levels in the body, including high levels of insulin. […] Many women with PCOS are resistant to the action of insulin in their body and produce higher levels of insulin to overcome this. […] This contributes to the increased production and activity of hormones like testosterone. […] Being overweight or obese also increases the amount of insulin your body produces.
  • #1 Etiology and pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/etiology-and-pathophysiology-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-in-adolescents
    Etiology and pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents […] Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) accounts for the vast majority of anovulatory symptoms and hyperandrogenism in women. […] The diagnosis of PCOS has lifelong implications, with increased risk for infertility, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial carcinoma. […] Mendelian randomization studies have suggested that PCOS in and of itself directly causes some (eg, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer), rather than all (eg, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular events), of these conditions. […] Type 2 diabetes, for example, seems in part to be causally related to a family history of diabetes and the insulin resistance and/or obesity that are frequent comorbidities among women with PCOS.
  • #1 Polycystic ovary syndrome – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycystic_ovary_syndrome
    Polycystic ovary syndrome, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. […] The exact cause of PCOS remains uncertain, and treatment involves management of symptoms using medication. […] 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. […] PCOS is a heterogeneous disorder of uncertain cause. […] 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 Understanding PCOS: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment | Kofinas Fertility
    https://www.kofinasfertility.com/fertility-therapies/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
    Inflammation has also been linked to PCOS and may be considered a subtype of PCOS. Inflammation markers can be found in blood tests, helping doctors determine the leading causes of the syndrome in each patient. […] Because of these factors, the causes of PCOS can vary from person to person. While the causes of PCOS for some women may be more related to lifestyle, for other women, hormonal imbalances or genetics may play a more prominent role. In order to understand the causes behind your PCOS diagnosis, your doctor will need to run blood tests, check your patient history, and take other factors, such as your weight, into account.
  • #1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Women’s Health Issues – Merck Manual Consumer Version
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/menstrual-disorders-and-abnormal-vaginal-bleeding/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
    Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by irregular or no menstrual periods and often obesity or symptoms caused by high levels of male hormones (androgens), such as excess body hair and acne. […] What causes polycystic ovary syndrome is not clear. Some evidence suggests that it is caused by malfunction of the enzyme controlling the production of male hormones. This malfunction causes the production of male hormones (androgens) to increase. […] High levels of male hormones increase the risk of metabolic syndrome (with high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and resistance to the effects of insulin) and risk of obesity. If male hormone levels remain high, the risk of diabetes, heart and blood vessel disorders (including atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease), and high blood pressure is increased.
  • #1
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-017-0834-2
    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive age women and is associated with an increased prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms. This review presents potential mechanisms for this increased risk and outlines treatment options. […] Women with PCOS have increased odds of depressive symptoms (OR 3.78; 95% CI 3.034.72) and anxiety symptoms (OR 5.62; 95% CI 3.229.80). Obesity, insulin resistance, and elevated androgens may partly contribute to this association. Therefore, in addition to established treatment options, treatment of PCOS-related symptoms with lifestyle modification and/or oral contraceptive pills may be of benefit. […] The exact etiology for the increased risk in PCOS is still unclear.
  • #1 What doctors wish patients knew about polycystic ovary syndrome | American Medical Association
    https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/population-care/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-polycystic-ovary-syndrome
    But if we can get a person to ovulate more regularly, then their chance of getting pregnant goes up dramatically, said Dr. Sherman, noting that people with PCOS actually have more eggs than normal, so their fertile years last longer and its because all of those skipped cycles that they have a really big egg reserve. […] When looking at symptoms of PCOS, facial hair is a pretty common thing, Dr. Callins said. […] For example, depression is at four times the average risk. Anxiety’s five times and suicide’s actually seven times the average risk, said Dr. Sherman. […] While nutrition and exercise are always critical parts of a healthy lifestyle overall and part of weight loss, sometimes a person needs more support than that, Dr. Sherman said. […] A healthy diet is important with an active lifestyle or exercise to maintain a healthy weight, Dr. LaPlante said, noting that because PCOS is linked to insulin, and thus the increased risk of diabetes, I recommend watching carbohydrates.
  • #1 What doctors wish patients knew about polycystic ovary syndrome | American Medical Association
    https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/population-care/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-polycystic-ovary-syndrome
    Sleep is important too because there is some information that women who have PCOS don’t sleep as well, Dr. LaPlante said. […] Understanding PCOS is really about understanding why your body works the way it does and allows you to have an honest conversation with your physician or medical provider about how to achieve your personal goals throughout the different phases of your life, Dr. Callins said.
  • #1 Polycystic ovary syndrome | Nature Reviews Endocrinology
    https://www.nature.com/subjects/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/nrendo
    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder of unclear aetiology. Although genetic factors contribute to PCOS, they only partially account for its heritability. Here, Stener-Victorin and Deng discuss the evidence that altered epigenetic and developmental programming influence the pathogenesis and familial transmission of PCOS. […] Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex genetic disease that affects approximately 7% of women of reproductive age worldwide. From novel pathways implicated in the etiology of PCOS through genome-wide association to characterization of the reproductive and metabolic changes that occur in ageing women with PCOS, the year 2011 has seen a number of studies published that highlight the intricacies of this condition. […] This Review discusses the genetic, prenatal and environmental antecedents of polycystic ovary syndrome. The reproductive, metabolic, cardiovascular, psychiatric and neoplastic complications of this common condition are presented, followed by a comprehensive discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic measures.
  • #2
    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.
  • #2 Polycystic ovary syndrome – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycystic_ovary_syndrome
    Polycystic ovary syndrome, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. […] The exact cause of PCOS remains uncertain, and treatment involves management of symptoms using medication. […] 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. […] PCOS is a heterogeneous disorder of uncertain cause. […] 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.
  • #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, 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 Hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovarian syndrome and role of CYP gene variants: a review | Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics | Full Text
    https://jmhg.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43042-019-0031-4
    Dysregulated P450 CYP17 enzyme is thought to be one of the causes of ovarian hyperandrogenism found in PCOS. […] Therefore, abnormalities in androgen production lead to hyperandrogenism in PCOS. […] The increase in androgen is contributed to the dysregulation of enzymes involved in steroid synthesis pathway and hyperplasia of theca cells of ovaries of the affected women. Increased androgens cause a lack of negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis resulting in increased GnRH pulse frequency. Increased LH stimulates theca cells of ovaries to undergo rapid proliferation which further results in increased steroidogenic capacity and hence increased androgen production.
  • #2
    https://www.aurorahealthcare.org/services/womens-health/services-treatments/pcos-polycystic-ovary-syndrome
    If you have PCOS, your FSH levels are often lower than normal, making it harder for your eggs to be able to become fertilized. […] Low progesterone levels in PCOS can cause irregular or missed periods. […] While estrogen levels may be normal or slightly elevated with PCOS, hormonal imbalances can disrupt the menstrual cycle and affect your reproductive health. […] Certain factors can make PCOS symptoms worse, including insulin resistance, poor diet, lack of physical activity, high stress levels, hormonal imbalances, and weight gain. […] PCOS already involves abnormal hormone levels, but factors like sleep disturbances, adrenal gland dysfunction or other endocrine disorders can further disrupt the hormone balance.
  • #2 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms & Treatment | Ada
    https://ada.com/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/
    Polycystic ovary syndrome is diagnosed if at least two of the following occur: 1 […] A minimum of 12 small cysts (follicles) form in the ovaries. These cysts are not big enough to trigger ovulation. […] The balance of the hormones produced in the ovaries is altered, particularly if the amount of testosterone produced increases. […] The individual does not ovulate each month or does not ovulate at all. In this case, the affected woman may not have a period. […] Although PCOS is a relatively common condition, occurring in approximately 5 to 10 percent of women, the exact cause is not known. […] The exact causes of polycystic ovary syndrome are not clear. There are, however, a number of factors which are thought to play a role. These factors include: 1 4 […] Insulin production: Produced in the pancreas, insulin is a hormone with the key function of controlling blood sugar levels. In the ovaries, it also helps to produce the male sex hormone testosterone. Women with PCOS have an insulin resistance, meaning that their bodies are not affected by normal levels of insulin in the usual way. This causes their bodies to produce increased amounts of insulin, resulting in unusually elevated levels of testosterone being present in the ovaries. This testosterone interferes with the ability of the follicles in the ovaries to fully develop.
  • #2 What doctors wish patients knew about polycystic ovary syndrome | American Medical Association
    https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/population-care/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-polycystic-ovary-syndrome
    Because insulin is too high, that makes your ovaries overproduce testosterone, Dr. Sherman said. So, insulin resistance puts you at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancers and autoimmune conditions. […] In women with PCOS, they can have oligomenorrhea decreased menstrual cycles or irregular and heavy bleeding, Dr. LaPlante said. […] Now not everyone who has irregular periods has PCOS, but cycle irregularity is a big symptom. […] A big part of testing for PCOS and the lab work is to rule out other causes, said Dr. Sherman. […] So, we really put together all these labs and we rule out other causes. And once many things have been ruled out, then it leaves PCOS as the remaining diagnosis, she said. […] The fertility rate is different about 85% for the general population and about 50% for the PCOS population with frequent unprotected sex for a year, Dr. LaPlante said.
  • #2 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Current Management, and Future Therapeutics
    https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/4/1454
    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. […] 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.
  • #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 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 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
    https://www.imrpress.com/journal/CEOG/51/5/10.31083/j.ceog5105126/htm
    Excessive adrenal androgens, especially the increased secretion observed during puberty, may have a significant impact on the development of PCOS. […] 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 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. These factors might lead to the cause of excessive androgen secretion from the ovaries, the onset of insulin resistance, partial folliculogenesis arrest, and the chronic low-grade release of inflammatory mediators from white blood cells, upsurging metabolic syndrome. […] 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.
  • #2 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Current Management, and Future Therapeutics
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9964744/
    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. […] Studies indicate that the diversity and structure of the gut microbiota in PCOS-affected women may be impacted by insulin resistance, sex hormone levels, and obesity.
  • #2 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Current Management, and Future Therapeutics
    https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/4/1454
    The high consumption of carbohydrates, hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenemia, and persistent low-grade inflammation are the four key contributors to pathophysiological alterations in PCOS. […] 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 10^13 to 10^14 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.
  • #2 7 Key Facts About PCOS: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://www.templehealth.org/about/blog/7-things-to-know-about-pcos
    PCOS is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility or fertility that stems from the absence of ovulation. […] The effects of PCOS can be lifelong. Too much glucose and insulin in the blood, which occurs in more than half of people with PCOS, can increase the risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. […] There’s no cure for PCOS, but symptoms can be managed.
  • #2 Polycystic ovary syndrome | Nature Reviews Endocrinology
    https://www.nature.com/subjects/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/nrendo
    Although animal models have been used to understand the aetiologies of polycystic ovary syndrome, these models are possibly not the best tool to study the underlying causes of this syndrome, as the disorder is uniquely human and does not occur naturally in animals. A recent study illustrates this point.