What is polycystic ovarian syndrome?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal condition that can be commonly characterized by such things as facial hair, a stocky build, increased abdominal obesity, increased bad cholesterol, increased triglycerides, increased inflammation and increased blood pressure. It's an ovarian problem (hence the name), and it influences fertility because the condition alters a woman's hormonal makeup—making it more difficult to achieve ovulation and more difficult to develop the tissues needed for implantation of the egg.
Find out more about this book: YOU: Having a Baby: The Owner's Manual to a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal condition that can be commonly characterized by such things as facial hair, a stocky build, increased abdominal obesity, increased bad cholesterol, increased triglycerides, increased inflammation and... More -
Dr. Kevin Windom answered:Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal condition that is caused by abnormal ovarian function. There are 2 main cell types in the ovary. There are cells that make estrogen and also grow eggs prior to ovulation, and there are other cells that make male-like hormones. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is where there is a predominance of small cysts throughout the ovary that are making male-like hormones. These cysts make is very difficult for an egg to mature and for a woman to ovulate. Because these cysts predominate the ovary, they cause a hormonal imbalance where there is excess testosterone and other male type hormones. This causes a change in their insulin and glucose metabolism and can predispose them to weight gain and possible diabetes. Also, the excess male-like hormones can cause a patient to gain weight in their abdominal area as well as have abnormal facial hair growth and pubic hair growth. Because of the hormonal irregularities, most patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome do not ovulate and have amenorrhea (quit having periods).
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal condition that is caused by abnormal ovarian function. There are 2 main cell types in the ovary. There are cells that make estrogen and also grow eggs prior to ovulation, and there are other... More
