Polycystic ovarian syndrome affects the sexual wellness and wellbeing of far more women that you may realise. Often abbreviated to PCOS, the condition affects between five and ten percent of all women. It is the most common endocrine condition in women who are of a reproductive age.
PCOS occurs when high levels of androgens (hormones) halt the development of eggs, and this leads to an enlarged follicle and immature egg. These are sometimes likened to a string of pearls, and the immature follicles are cysts. Usually, a follicle would rupture to release an egg, but in the case of PCOS, this does not happen and the follicle remains and is what is observed as a cyst during an ultrasound scan.
There are a variety of symptoms associated with PCOS. This is due to the fact that the disease comes alongside high levels of male homrones/androgens. These hormones are found in both women and men but they are generally thought of as more ‘male’ as they are found in much higher levels in men. These androgens include dihydrotestosterone, testosterone and androstenedione.
There is a strong link between polycystic ovaries and obesity, as well as insulin resistance (which is a precursor of type 2 diabetes). Women who are obese and suffering from PCOS will normally be given a treatment plan that involves a great deal of exercise and a restricted diet. About a third of the women who have PCOS and are obese also suffer from insulin resistance of diabetes.
In premenopausal women, around one in ten cases of diabetes is connected to PCOS. Having the syndrome may also increase your risk of developing heart disease, although further studies into this link still need to be carried out.
If you think you may be suffering from PCOS, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.