2023-12-06 09:19:00
Verified on 06/12/2023 by Alexane Flament, Editor
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal pathology among women of childbearing age. It would affect between 5 and 10% of them. Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, we tell you more regarding this often little-known disease.
Occurring from adolescence to menopause, one in 10 women are affected by polycystic ovarian syndrome, making it the most common endocrine disease among women of childbearing age (it might actually affect more women, the figures are probably underestimated).
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Although polycystic ovary syndrome does not manifest itself in the same way or with the same intensity depending on the patient, it is important to be attentive to these main symptoms:
Of the irregular menstrual cycles (very long or on the contrary total absence of periods) hair problems (hyperpilosity, appearance of hair in a male pattern, such as on the upper lip, on the chin, stomach, toes) hair loss and density A infertility (for half of the women concerned)A metabolic syndrome (several patients experience difficulty stabilizing their weight) acneOf the mood and sleep disorders Of the dark spots on the skin (usually in the groin, arms or neck) Resistance to insulin
While these signs may be the cause of the disease, they may also be unrelated to polycystic ovary syndrome.
Good to know : The only way to know if you are affected by the disease is to have a gynecological check-up!
What are the causes of this endocrine pathology?
If it can be linked to other factors, its diagnosis is often made in women suffering from obesity, hair growth or fertility problems.
It is in fact a pathology due to a hormonal disruption of ovarian and/or brain origina dysfunction that leads to excessive production of androgens, particularly testosterone.
These abnormally high levels of so-called male hormones in the blood affect the growth of follicles, which complicates the functioning of the ovaries and therefore ovulation.
Abnormally high insulin blood levels have also been commonly seen in PCOS. The patients then suffer insulin resistancea symptom that can also constrain ovulation.
In addition to the possible responsibility of endocrine disruptors in the appearance of the disease, certain observations may also suggest that genetic mutations might be associated with this pathology (although this concerns less than 10% of cases).
Overall, the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome are still very unclear.
Journalist
December 6, 2023, at 10:19 a.m.
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