Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a frequently occurring complicated endocrine disorder characterized by morphological and metabolic abnormalities in the reproductive age of women. 17 % of females experience of PCOS in their reproductive age.
By Ishrat Fatima
Introduction
The global incidence report of PCOS says, 1 female in every 10 female has PCOS. According to WHO 2012 report, approximately 116 million (3.4%) females from all over the world are suffering from PCOS. The documented incidence rate is between 2.2% (low) and 26% (high).
Biochemical Abnormalities
In PCOS, the levels of reproductive hormones androgens are increased to a somewhat abnormal extent. This condition is called hyperandrogenism. Androgens are present in both sexes. Elevated levels of androgens cases are less common in males as compared to females. These androgens are also famous as male hormones. Primarily testosterone levels are increased during PCOS. Several evidence based studies documented that androgens elevation in males does not readily impact their character and bodies. Because high androgens (testosterone) levels result in a deeper voice, thick hair growth on the face back, abdomen area, and chest. All these are normal patterns of males’ personalities. Too much testosterone can cause alopecia (baldness) or aggression in males. Whereas, elevated androgens levels in female leads to PCOS accompanied by menstrual stoppage, infertility and metabolic disorder such as hypercholesteremia, hypertension and obesity. It promotes high facial or body hair growth (hirsutism), baldness (alopecia), acne and men like voice in females.
Morphological Abnormalities
Another clinical manifestation of PCOS is the abrupt change in ovaries forming pea-sized cysts in both or single ovaries. The syndrome gets its name from the formation of many cysts (poly means several and cysts means fluid-filled sacs) in ovaries. Cysts are basically follicles with an immature egg. The eggs remain immature and contribute to ovulatory dysfunctioning. Persistent untreated anovulation leads to infertility. Ovarian cysts in ultrasound along with other clinical presentation and laboratory testing allow better diagnostic of PCOS.