Why do polycystic ovaries occur?

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is caused by an excess of male hormones created by the ovaries, the organ responsible for producing and releasing eggs. Polycystic ovaries occur when your ovaries produce exceptionally high levels of androgens (male hormones). As a result, your reproductive hormones fall out of balance. People with PCOS frequently experience irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, and unpredictable ovulation. Due to a lack of ovulation(anovulation), small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) may form on your ovaries.?

Point to be noted - Even though the name is 'polycystic,' you don't necessarily need to have cysts on your ovaries in order to have PCOS.

Why do polycystic ovaries occur?

A woman can have polycystic ovaries at any age after reaching puberty. Some women only have PCOS signs and symptoms during the first few days of their periods. While others begin to show signs and symptoms in their 20s, 30s, or even later after reaching reproductive age.

The exact cause of PCOS is yet unknown. Because of this, it is referred to as "a syndrome" rather than a disease. When the cause of a health problem is known, it is referred to as a disease. However, a syndrome is a group of symptoms that describe a health problem whose underlying cause is not recognised.

Some of the common causes of PCOS are as follows:

• Hormonal imbalance, stress, and poor diet and exercise habits are a few of the primary reasons for PCOS.?
• Genetics may also be a factor. According to a recent study, you are more likely to get PCOS if someone in your family—such as your mother, sister, etc.—has or has had the condition.2
• The menstrual cycle is significantly regulated by hormones. A group of hormones known as androgens, which are present in higher levels in men and much-reduced levels in women, are found at a slightly higher rate than usual in women with PCOS. Increased androgen levels also prevent eggs from developing and releasing from the ovaries, which ultimately leads to missed or skipped periods.
• In addition, ultrasounds of the ovaries in many women with PCOS can show the existence of fluid-filled sacs inside them, which are nothing more than immature eggs that, as a result of these hormonal variations, didn't fully grow into mature eggs which are large enough to be released.
• Weight gain and fat deposits can also cause PCOS since an increased body fat percentage is directly related to the production of androgens.
• Furthermore, another factor that may cause PCOS is insulin resistance, which is linked to the later development of diabetes.3
• If a woman's mother, sister, or other family members ever had PCOS, she is at a higher chance of developing it herself anytime in her reproductive age. In short, a woman is more likely to get PCOS if there is a family history of the condition.

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