PCOS
DEFINITION
Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS, is a conditionin which a woman’s levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are outof balance. This leads to the growth of ovarian cysts (benign masses on theovaries), PCOS can cause problems with a women’s menstrual cycle, fertility andappearance. On an average between 1 to 10 women of childbearing age suffersfrom PCOS.
CAUSES
While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, doctorsbelieve that hormonal imbalances and genetics play a role. Women are morelikely to develop PCOS if their mother or sister also has the condition.Overproduction of hormone androgen may be another contributing factor Androgenis a male sex hormone that women’s bodies also produce. Women with PCOS oftenproduce higher – than – normal levels of androgen. This can affect thedevelopment and release of eggs during ovulation. Excess insulin (a hormonethat helps convert sugars and starches into energy) may cause high androgenlevels.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
The hydroid is butterfly shaped gland located inthe front of the neck just above the trachea. It weight approx. 15 to 20 gramsin the adult human. The thyroid produces and releases into the circulation atleast two potent hormones, thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyromine (T3), whichinfluence basal metabolic processes and / or enhance oxygen consumption isnearly all body tissues.