Many women who are in the reproductive ages can develop polycystic ovarian syndrome. It is a common hormonal disorder in women in which the ovaries become big in size containing several tiny cysts in them. These cysts are found along the outer corner of each ovary in the uterus. Women who have excess of hair growth, who have hormonal problems and women who are obese can develop polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Absence of regular menstrual cycles can indicate the presence of cyst in adolescent ages and for middle aged women unexplained increase in weight can become the first symptom of PCOS. Undue delay in treating PCOS can cause heart problems and diabetes. One in every 15 women will get affected with this problem.
Hormonal Imbalance :
There are various glands in the body that secretes hormones and each hormone have a definite function in the metabolism. Hormones are chemical particles that are responsible for growth of the body and production of energy. There are certain hormones that trigger the secretion of other hormones. Polycystic ovarian syndrome occurs when sex hormones are produced in haphazard manner.
Each ovary of the women will secrete small amount of male sex hormones called androgens but during PCOS more quantities of male hormones are produced. This in turn will stop ovulation process leading to missing of periods. It may also cause excess of hair growth in the face and body. For some women insulin hormone is not produced sufficiently causing insulin resistance which can lead to diabetes.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Symptoms :
The first sign of PCOS may begin once the menstrual cycle starts in a woman. For some women it can occur in middle age due to increased weight. There will be loss of regular menstrual cycles or there will be heavy menstrual periods with spotting. Some women may miss 4 or more periods which can be due to PCOS and for others there can be menstrual cycle for long periods causing heavy bleeding.