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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
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Insulin Resistance
A condition where cells fail to respond to insulin effectively, commonly found in PCOS, it leads to elevated insulin levels which can worsen hyperandrogenism and symptoms.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Inconsistent or prolonged menstrual intervals are a common feature of PCOS, likely due to imbalances in estrogen and progesterone, as well as increased androgen levels.
Thinning Hair or Male-pattern Baldness
Hair thinning on the scalp, commonly in a pattern observed in men, associated with elevated levels of androgens.
Infertility
Difficulties with ovulation due to hormonal imbalances, particularly the ratio of LH and FSH, contribute to infertility in women with PCOS.
Weight Gain or Obesity
Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, leading to an increased risk of weight gain or obesity, often worsened by imbalanced levels of hormones such as insulin and leptin.
Polycystic Ovaries
Presence of multiple small cysts in the ovaries, detected by ultrasound, results from disrupted folliculogenesis due to hormonal imbalances including luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratios.
Low Levels of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Lower levels of SHBG in PCOS can lead to an increase in free androgen levels, exacerbating symptoms like hirsutism and acne.
Sleep Apnea
Higher incidence in women with PCOS, which may be influenced by high levels of androgens and insulin resistance, affecting sleep quality and breathing patterns.
Increased Appetite or Hyperphagia
Often associated with insulin resistance, leading to disruption in the regulation of satiety and hunger hormones such as leptin and ghrelin.
High Levels of LH
Elevated levels of luteinizing hormone relative to follicle-stimulating hormone are often seen in PCOS and can disrupt normal ovulation.
Anxiety and Depression
These psychological symptoms might be more common among women with PCOS, potentially linked to hormonal imbalances including elevated androgens and insulin resistance.
Menstrual Cramping
While not specific to PCOS, menstrual cramping may be exacerbated in women with the syndrome due to hormonal changes, particularly prostaglandin imbalances.
Hirsutism
Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, or back in women, mainly due to elevated androgen levels, such as testosterone.
Acne or Oily Skin
Increased androgen production can lead to overactive sebaceous glands, resulting in acne or oily skin.
Acanthosis Nigricans
Darkened patches of skin, indicative of insulin resistance, accompanied by hormonal changes that affect insulin signaling pathways.
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