According to statistics, 70-80% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome may suffer from infertility worldwide. This may seem like a large number!
What are the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome results from the interaction of several hormonal, genetic, metabolic factors and other unknown causes. The most important causes of polycystic ovary syndrome in women are:
First: Insulin Resistance
What is it?
It is a condition in which the body does not respond normally to the hormone insulin, which causes the pancreas to secrete larger amounts of insulin.
How do cysts cause?
- High levels of insulin stimulate the ovaries to produce more male hormones (androgens).
- This defect hinders the maturation of eggs and prevents regular ovulation, leading to the formation of small cysts inside the ovary.
Who's the show for her?
Women who are overweight, or who have a family history of diabetes, but even women of normal weight can suffer from it.
Second: hormonal disorders
تشمل:
- Elevated luteinizing hormone (LH): It is usually abnormally high in cases of cysts, leading to an increase in male hormones within the ovary.
- Deficiency or disorder of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): responsible for the growth and maturation of eggs. Its decrease leads to a failure of the eggs to grow normally.
- Increased male hormones (such as testosterone): cause symptoms such as: excess hair, acne, and menstrual irregularities.
- Sometimes high insulin or prolactin.
Third: genetic predisposition
Studies have shown that polycystic ovary syndrome can run in families. If a mother or sister suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome, the risk of infection increases.
Also learn about: Mild and severe symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome
Fourth: Obesity and weight gain
Obesity is one of the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome by doubling the effects of insulin resistance and hormonal disorders. Excess body fat also affects hormonal balance and may increase the secretion of estrogen, which hinders ovulation.
Fifth: Unhealthy lifestyle
Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and chronic stress are all factors that negatively affect the body’s hormonal balance. Following a diet rich in simple sugars and starches raises insulin and increases the chances of hormonal imbalance.
Sixth: Problems with the brain or pituitary gland (rare)
In some rare cases, the cause of the cyst may be an imbalance in the hormonal control center in the brain, such as an unexplained rise in the LH hormone, or problems in the pituitary-ovarian axis.
Seventh: Other indirect reasons
There are other factors that cannot be considered causes of polycystic ovary syndrome, but they are helpful and predisposing and may make the condition more severe or delay diagnosis, and they include:
- Adrenal dysfunction.
- Chronic inflammation.
- Environment and hormonal toxins.
- Thyroid disorder.
- Stress, poor lifestyle, and sleep disorders.
- Early puberty.
- Disturbances in the development of follicles within the ovary of unknown cause.
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Read also: Damage from polycystic ovary syndrome
We reviewed the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome. Although it may be difficult to avoid, especially if it is linked to genetic factors, it is a condition that can be controlled and treated. Healthy lifestyle changes, following a balanced nutritional routine, and maintaining a healthy weight help increase the effectiveness of medication and successfully treat the condition.
Frequently asked questions
Where do ovarian cysts come from?
Ovarian cysts come from the accumulation of a number of small, immature eggs inside the ovary, due to the failure of the eggs to fully develop and exit the ovary (i.e. failure of ovulation to occur), so they remain inside the ovary in the form of small cysts (cysts).
Does psychological condition cause polycystic ovary syndrome?
Indeed, chronic stress and anxiety may increase hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance, which worsens polycystic symptoms and affects ovulation and response to treatment.
Does polycystic ovary syndrome change the color of the vagina?
No, PCOS does not cause a change in the color of the vagina itself, but it may cause darkening of the skin around it (between the thighs), due to the insulin resistance associated with the condition.
Medical sources
This information was based on:
