CAUSES & EFFECTS
PCOS : Causes and Effects
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, marked by symptoms like irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and weight gain. Its primary causes include insulin resistance and high androgen levels, while genetics, prenatal factors, and lifestyle choices also contribute to it's development. Understanding these factors is key to managing the condition and its associated health risks.
Causes
The primary causes of PCOS has been Insulin resistance and Hyperandrogenism but several other factors also contribute to its development. (Sana Siddiqui, 2022)
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Prenatal factors: Intrauterine exposure to excess androgen which can affect the functioning of genes related to ovarian steroidogenesis, insulin activity and GnRH pulsatility. Maternal hypertension, diabetes during fetal development, smoking, stress and obesity have also been observed to have an effect.
Post natal factors: Exposure to advanced glycation end products through fast foods which cause cellular damage. High BMI, physical inactivity and lack of sleep aggravate the condition.
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Genetic factors: SNPs in specific genes that play a role in steroidogenesis, ovarian theca cell functioning, hypothalamus and pituitary hormone secretion.
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Hereditary factors: Family history of PCOS sets one at a higher risk of PCOS.
Effects
Patients with PCOS are at an increased risk of the following conditions:
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Type 2 diabetes: Incidence of Type 2 diabetes 7 times higher in PCOS patients as opposed to those who don’t have PCOS. Presence of abdominal obesity along with insulin resistance is observed to be the reason of prevalence of the same. (Dandilis, 2009)
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Cardiovascular disease: Insulin resistance through mechanisms of direct atherogenic action and adverse effects on lipoprotein profile may lead to cardiovascular diseases. (Cheang KI, 2008)
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Hypertension: Caused due to a direct connection between insulin plasma levels and blood pressure. Prevalence of treated hypertension is observed to be 3 times higher in PCOS women than those unaffected by it.
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Endometrial carcinoma: Factors associated with PCOS such as obesity, long term use of unopposed oestrogens, nulliparity, infertility, hypertension and obesity increases the risk of endometrial carcinoma. (A.Wild., 2002)