{"id":8962,"date":"2019-08-28T15:37:27","date_gmt":"2019-08-28T14:37:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pamap.accessfertility.com\/ie\/2019\/08\/28\/pcos-know-signs\/"},"modified":"2019-08-28T15:37:27","modified_gmt":"2019-08-28T14:37:27","slug":"pcos-know-signs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.accessfertility.com\/ie\/pcos-know-signs\/","title":{"rendered":"PCOS, know the signs"},"content":{"rendered":"

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What is PCOS?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman\u2019s hormone levels.<\/p>\n

Women with this produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones (androgen). This hormone imbalance causes them to skip menstrual periods or have irregular periods, which makes it harder for them to get pregnant.<\/p>\n

These hormone levels can sometimes cause excessive facial hair growth, acne, and\/or male-pattern scalp hair thinning. PCOS is not completely reversible but there are a number of treatments that can reduce or minimise bothersome symptoms. Most women are able to lead a normal life without significant complications.<\/p>\n

PCOS and fertility:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility. Many women discover they have it when they’re trying to get pregnant and are unsuccessful.<\/p>\n

During each menstrual cycle, the ovaries release an egg into the uterus during ovulation. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome often fail to ovulate or ovulate infrequently, which means they have irregular or absent periods and find it difficult to get pregnant.<\/p>\n

Causes:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is unknown, but it’s thought to be related to abnormal hormone levels.<\/p>\n

Resistance to insulin<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Insulin is a hormone produced in the body to control the amount of sugar in the blood. It helps the cells in your body turn sugar (glucose) into energy. Insulin resistance means the body’s tissues are resistant to the effects of insulin. The body therefore has to produce extra insulin to compensate.<\/p>\n

High levels of insulin causes the ovaries to produce too much of the hormone testosterone. This interferes with the development of the follicles (the sacs in the ovaries where eggs develop) and prevents normal ovulation.<\/p>\n

Insulin resistance can also lead to weight gain, which can make PCOS symptoms worse. Having excess fat causes the body to produce even more insulin.<\/p>\n

Hormone imbalance<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Many women with PCOS are found to have an imbalance in certain hormones, including raised levels of testosterone.<\/p>\n

The exact reason why these hormonal changes occur is not known. It’s been suggested that the problem may start in the ovary itself, in other glands that produce these hormones, or in the part of the brain that controls their production. The changes may also be caused by the resistance to insulin.<\/p>\n

Genetics<\/strong><\/h4>\n

PCOS sometimes runs in families. This suggests there may be a genetic link to PCOS, although specific genes associated with the condition have not yet been identified.<\/p>\n

Who is at risk of PCOS?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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Between 5% and 10% of women between 15 and 44 have PCOS. Most women find out they have it in their 20s and 30s, when they have problems getting pregnant and see their doctor. But it can happen at any age after puberty.<\/p>\n

Women of all races and ethnicities are at risk of PCOS. Your risk may be higher if you have obesity or if you have a mother, sister, or aunt with this syndrome.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of PCOS:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Many women with PCOS find they\u2019re able to manage their symptoms by controlling their diet and lifestyle choices.<\/p>\n

If you experience symptoms, they’ll usually become apparent in your late teens or early 20s. Not all women with PCOS will have all of the symptoms, and each symptom can vary from mild to severe. Some women only experience menstrual problems or are unable to conceive, or both.<\/p>\n

Common symptoms:<\/strong><\/p>\n