Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

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The cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not fully understood, but genetics may be a factor. If you have PCOS, your sisters and daughters have a 50% chance of developing PCOS.1

PCOS problems are caused by hormone changes. One hormone change triggers another, which changes another. PCOS problems may include:

  • Ovary hormone imbalance. When the hormones that trigger ovulation are not at the right levels, the ovary does not release an egg every month. In some women, cysts Click here to see an illustration. form on the ovaries. These cysts make androgen.
  • High androgen levels. High androgen in a woman causes male-type hair and acne problems and can stop ovulation.
  • High insulin and blood sugar levels. About half of women with PCOS have a problem with how the body uses insulin, called insulin resistance. When the body doesn't use insulin well, blood sugar builds to high levels. If not treated, this can lead to diabetes.
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: May 11, 2010
Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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