Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Infertility Risk
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a type of hormonal disorder that usually occurs in women with polycystic ovaries. During the menstrual cycle, eggs develop inside fluid filled sacs, known as follicles, which grow on the ovaries. These follicles are also known as cysts. Each month several eggs start developing in each of the follicles.
However, usually only one of these eggs becomes fully matured. The follicle holding the fully matured egg breaks open to release the egg into the fallopian tube. The other eggs, along with the follicles holding them, degenerate. Polycystic ovaries develop in women with large ovaries. Several underdeveloped follicles or cysts remain on the ovaries like a bunch of grapes. Not all polycystic ovary cases lead to polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome develops only when these cysts cause hormonal imbalance.
Causes of polycystic ovary syndrome
The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is unknown. It might be hereditary. If your mother or sisters suffer from this condition, you have a greater risk of suffering from this problem. Excess insulin secretion, which usually occurs in women suffering from insulin resistance, could increase androgen secretion, causing polycystic ovary syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms
In polycystic ovary syndrome, the pituitary gland produces excess luteinizing hormone and the ovaries secrete surplus androgens. The hormonal imbalance in the body disrupts the normal menstrual cycle, leading to several physical problems. Women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome experience irregular menstrual cycle and scant or heavy periods.
Ovarian cysts, infertility, hirsutism, obesity, acne, oily skin, loss of hair, male pattern baldness, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, patches of thick black or dark brown skin on the breast, thighs, arms and neck, skin tags in the neck and armpit area, sleep apnea and pelvic pain are symptoms of this condition. Polycystic ovary is one of the major causes of infertility in women.
Polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility
Hormonal imbalance could cause fertility problems in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Experts are not aware of the exact factor that causes infertility in women suffering from this condition. It is believed excess androgen, luteinizing hormone, insulin or glucose level in the blood could hinder implantation and growth of the embryo.
Moreover, excess insulin could prevent conception by impairing the quality of the eggs. Even when women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome conceive, they have a high risk of miscarriage. Ovulation stimulating medications are prescribed to increase the chance of conception.
