Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - Get The Facts

 
This website aims to provide information about:

• The symptoms, causes and treatments of polycystic ovary syndrome
• How being diagnosed with this condition can effect everyday life

 The Facts

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can be referred to by numerous names;

• PCOS

• Hyperandrogenism

• Androgen Excess Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of female infertility due to the absence or irregularity of ovulation.
It is estimated to effect 5-10% of women who are at a reproductive age, between 18 and 44.

Normal Ovulation

Ovaries:

The ovaries make oestrogen which is the main female sex hormone.
It promotes the development of breasts, thickening of the endometrium and also regulates the menstrual cycle.
The ovaries are also responsible for producing small amounts of androgens, which are the male sex hormones (such as testosterone).

Ovulation:

• Ovulation occurs once a month on approximately day 12 of the menstrual cycle.

• A hormone called luteinizing hormone or LH is released on day 12, which stimulates maturation of the egg and weakens the fluid filled space (called the follicle) surrounding the egg. 

• The fully matured follicle then releases the oocyte, which quickly changes to an ootid and then finally into an ovum.

• Usually only one of the two ovaries releases the egg. After release, the ovum travels down the fallopian tube, and if left unfertilized for a day it will disintegrate.

 Polycystic Ovaries and Ovulation

The exact definition of polycystic ovary syndrome is unclear, as women can have polycystic ovaries without having the syndrome.

Polycystic ovaries are when one or both ovaries contain numerous numbers of cysts. These cysts are follicles which have not matured properly due to a hormone imbalance.

Usually in PCOS, none of these follicles have developed to the appropriate level to release an egg, and therefore ovulation does not occur during the menstrual cycle. This is called anovulation, which leads to infertility. 

Click How to know...to find out more about the symptoms and diagnosis