PCOS Causes: Why Does PCOS Happen? Key Causes, Risk Factors, and How to Prevent It
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The information provided here serves as a general guide and does not constitute medical advice. We strongly advise consulting a certified fertility expert for professional assessment and personalized treatment recommendations.
Overview
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a very common hormonal disorder that affects millions of women globally, especially during their reproductive years. Although there is still much to learn about the underlying causes of PCOS, certain aspects are becoming more apparent, such as insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance, genetics, and lifestyle choices. Understanding the cause(s) of PCOS is essential to ensure timely diagnosis, treatment, and a reduced risk of long-term complications such as infertility, diabetes, and heart disease.
In this article, we aim to present the main causes of PCOS, the risk factors, and realistic management steps that you can take.
Introduction
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders. If you have PCOS, it means that your ovaries produce excessive amounts of sex hormones called androgens that disrupt the normal reproductive hormones in your body. This is why women with PCOS have irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, and unpredictable ovulation.
Despite being such a common condition, the causes of PCOS are not well understood. Many women will ask: What causes PCOS? Does PCOS cause infertility? Does female masturbation cause PCOS? In this guide, we will provide a simplified scientific overview of PCOS, while demystifying some of the ideas and misinformation, and also highlighting equally important medical and lifestyle components.
Primary Causes of PCOS
Before examining each cause, it is essential to recognise that Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is not caused by a single factor, but by a combination of hormonal, genetic, and lifestyle components.
1. Hormonal Imbalance
The two hormones that regulate ovulation under normal circumstances are Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH). In PCOS, an altered or excessive LH to FSH ratio inhibits the normal development and release of egg(s), which leads to small cysts forming in the ovaries. One of the earliest signs of PCOS is an irregular or nonexistent menstrual cycle, which is often partially explained by this hormone imbalance. Blood tests typically reveal elevated LH or higher androgen levels, confirming the hormonal disruption.
2. Insulin Resistance
Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Due to insulin resistance, which occurs in many women with PCOS, their bodies do not respond to insulin well. As a result, the pancreas produces more insulin in the blood, which in turn causes the ovaries to create more androgens, or male hormones. This makes menstruation even more irregular and can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The phenomenon of insulin resistance might be one of the pathways to infertility in those with PCOS.
3. Excess Androgen Production
Although females produce androgens naturally, when the levels of androgens are too high, the androgens interfere with a woman’s ability to ovulate normally. High levels of androgens can prevent ovulation (causing anovulation) and result in symptoms such as acne, hirsutism, and hair loss. A common question associated with PCOS is ‘Can PCOS cause infertility?’ Absolutely, because of an ovulatory dysfunction.
4. Low-Grade Inflammation
Additionally, women with PCOS may have low-grade, chronic inflammation more frequently. Insulin resistance may increase as a result of the inflammation, causing the ovaries to produce even more androgens. This inflammation can bring on fatigue, skin conditions, and other metabolic disorders.
5. Heredity (Genetic Factors)
Another aspect of PCOS is genetics. Women with a family history of PCOS, diabetes or irregular periods have a greater chance of developing this condition. However, since environmental and lifestyle variables might function as triggers to bring about PCOS, we cannot completely attribute the disorder to heredity.
Also Read : What are the types of PCOS?
Additional Contributing Factors to PCOS Causes
Apart from the primary causes, other factors may worsen or trigger PCOS symptoms:
Unhealthy Diet and Sedentary Lifestyle
- A large intake of refined carbohydrates, sugary beverages, and processed foods can worsen insulin resistance.
- A lack of exercise can promote weight gain and worsen an already unbalanced hormonal state.
- Women with PCOS, who eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly, are in a better position to manage their symptoms.
Environmental Triggers
Although this field of study is constantly developing, it is also believed that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) from sources such as plastics, pesticides and cosmetics can cause hormonal imbalance in our bodies.
Medical Conditions
Other health issues, like thyroid disorders, metabolic syndrome, and chronic inflammation, may overlap or worsen some of the symptoms in women with PCOS, making it that much more difficult to diagnose or treat.
Can PCOS Develop Without These Causes?
Indeed, women who are not obese, insulin-resistant, or have no family history of the condition may also acquire PCOS. Women who are lean and have PCOS may only present with irregular cycles and hormonal imbalance, completely lacking the usual risk factors. This variability adds to the importance of recognising that PCOS is not a single condition or disorder, but a heterogeneous condition, with varied causes and symptoms. Hence, we must have personalised medical management for these women.
How Untreated Causes of PCOS Can Affect Long-Term Health
PCOS is more than just a reproductive disease; if left untreated, it can have major repercussions. For women's long-term health, it is essential to comprehend the reasons for PCOS and manage it.
Risks of Untreated PCOS
- Infertility : Chronic anovulation (not ovulating regularly) frequently leads to infertility. Many women learn they have polycystic ovary syndrome while trying to conceive.
- Type 2 Diabetes : Persistent insulin resistance is one of the main underlying causes of PCOS. Untreated, this cause can lead to prediabetes and ultimately to fully developed Type 2 diabetes.
- Endometrial Hyperplasia and Cancer : Many women with PCOS experience irregular periods, leading the uterine lining to be exposed to unopposed estrogen. This can be a risk for the development of endometrial hyperplasia/malignancy over time.
- Cardiovascular Risks : Furthermore, women with PCOS are at a greater risk of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and long-term cardiac health problems.
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
It is evident that the sooner we can identify PCOS, the sooner women can start to change their lifestyle in nutrition, exercise, weight management, and seek medical treatment to achieve hormonal restoration and reproductive objectives.
Ongoing Monitoring and Care
Involvement with gynaecologists, endocrinologists, and nutritionists is required as PCOS is a multisystem disorder. Multidisciplinary approaches are essential for women living with PCOS to ensure that risk is minimised and long-term health is maintained.
Managing PCOS isn’t just about fertility - it’s about safeguarding your future health.
Conclusion
Increased androgens in women, insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance, genetic susceptibility, and lifestyle variables are some of the multifactorial causes of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can have a very serious impact on reproductive health. Infertility is common with PCOS, and without treatment, PCOS can make it difficult to conceive. Fortunately, with the advancement of medicine, modifications of daily activities and diet management, the fertility treatment for PCOS can be highly effective.
At Indira IVF centres, specialists will tailor their treatment with personalised plans and advanced reproductive technology for women who are struggling with infertility due to PCOS to assist them with their wish to become parents.
Also Read: PCOD vs PCOS
Common Questions Asked
Can excess androgen cause PCOS symptoms like acne and hair growth?
Yes, increased androgens cause acne, increased facial/body hair, and ovulation issues.
Can stress cause PCOS?
Although stress does not cause PCOS, it can exacerbate hormonal imbalances and irregular menstrual cycles, which in turn can worsen the existing PCOS symptoms.
Can a hormonal imbalance alone cause PCOS?
Yes, changes to LH and FSH are at the core of what causes PCOS.
Can you develop PCOS without a family history?
Yes, a family history is not a mandate for the development of PCOS. PCOS may arise from numerous factors, including hormonal imbalances, environmental triggers, and lifestyle changes.
Does high testosterone cause PCOS in women?
Elevated testosterone is a common symptom marker/causal symptom for body hair growth and acne.
Can PCOS causes be treated or reversed?
PCOS cannot be cured, but it can be managed with lifestyle changes and/or treatment.
How does diet influence the causes of PCOS?
Unhealthy diets, high in sugar and processed foods, have a negative effect on insulin resistance, which will worsen PCOS. In comparison, a healthy, balanced diet that includes whole grains, proteins, and vegetables can improve your hormones and lessen symptoms.
Is weight gain a symptom or a cause of PCOS?
Gaining weight is both a sign and a cause of PCOS. Because of insulin resistance, PCOS can lead to fat accumulation, and gaining weight can exacerbate hormonal imbalances, worsening symptoms and other issues.
Does female masturbation cause PCOS?
No, masturbation does not influence the development of PCOS.
Can PCOS cause infertility?
Although PCOS may potentially prolong your time to ovulate, with treatment, it is possible to ovulate and conceive.
Can PCOS cause cancer?
Untreated PCOS increases the chances of endometrial cancer due to hormonal imbalance.
Can PCOS cause miscarriage?
Yes, the increased chance of miscarriages with PCOS is due to hormone imbalances, poor egg quality and/or metabolic issues. However, this can be reduced a great deal with early medical treatment, lifestyle changes and/or fertility treatment.