POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also called Stein-Leventhal
syndrome, is a group of symptoms caused by underlying hormonal and
metabolic disturbances that affects about 6% of premenopausal women.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome symptoms appear as early as adolescence in the form of
amenorrhea (missed periods), obesity, and hirsutism, the abnormal
growth of body hair.
A disturbance in normal hormonal signals prevents ovulation in women
with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Throughout the cycle, estrogen levels remain steady, LH
levels are high, and FSH and progesterone levels are low. Since eggs
are rarely or never released from their follicles, multiple ovarian
cysts develop over time.
One of the most important characteristics of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is
hyperandrogenism, the excessive production of male hormones
(androgens), particularly testosterone, by the ovaries. This
accounts for the male hair-growth patterns and acne in women with
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Hyperandrogenism has been linked with insulin resistance, the
inability of the body to respond to insulin, and hyperinsulinemia
(high blood insulin levels), both of which are common in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. |
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| POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME RELATED ITEMS |
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