March 9, 2022
Gain an in-depth understanding of PCOS, how it can affect fertility, and what hormones cause this condition. Discover evidence-based treatments to help manage this condition, as well as key specialists who can help you make informed decisions.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting up to one in five women of reproductive age. It is characterised by a hormonal imbalance, with elevated levels of androgens — male hormones — and insulin being central players. Understanding the dynamics of these key factors is essential to managing PCOS and enhancing fertility.
PCOS stands for poly-cystic ovarian syndrome:
Poly = many
Cystic = fluid-filled sack
Ovarian = in the ovaries
Syndrome = a collection of symptoms
Essentially, the underlying reason for why the ovary is producing excessive numbers of cysts is due to an excessive production of androgens and insulin.
Androgens are hormones usually associated with male traits, such as facial and body hair. All individuals, regardless of gender, produce these hormones, but women with PCOS often have excessively high androgen levels.
These excessive levels can lead to symptoms like hirsutism (excessive hair growth), acne and alopecia (hair loss). Moreover, high levels of androgens can interfere with ovulation, affecting fertility.
But what leads to this excessive androgen production in some women? The answer lies in a combination of genetic, environmental and metabolic factors.
Research suggests a strong genetic link to PCOS, meaning the condition often runs in families. Certain genes are believed to be involved in the overproduction of androgens in the ovaries. However, PCOS is likely to be the result of a complex interplay of numerous genes rather than the effect of a single gene.
A significant proportion of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which can lead to higher insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar levels. When there's resistance to its action, the body compensates by producing more insulin. This excess insulin can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens.
While not a cause of PCOS, obesity can exacerbate the condition. Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, is associated with insulin resistance, leading to higher insulin levels and thus increased androgen production. Weight loss, even if moderate, can help reduce insulin resistance and lower androgen levels.
Women with PCOS often have low-grade inflammation, which can stimulate the ovaries to produce androgens. This inflammation could be linked to obesity, as adipose (fat) tissue can release substances that promote inflammation.
While the exact cause of PCOS and excessive androgen production remains unclear, these factors play a significant role in the condition's development and progression. Understanding these aspects can help women with PCOS and their healthcare team devise effective management strategies, including lifestyle modifications and targeted therapies.
Insulin is a hormone that plays a vital role in regulating glucose metabolism in the body. However, when levels are persistently high, as seen with insulin resistance common in PCOS, it can have disruptive effects on ovulation, thereby affecting fertility.
Excessive insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce more androgens, including testosterone. These heightened androgen levels can disrupt the regular cycle of follicle growth and egg release in the ovaries. The result is a disturbance of the ovulation process. In some cases, an egg may not be released at all (anovulation), or it may be released infrequently or irregularly, making conception more challenging.
In addition to the direct influence on the ovaries, high insulin levels can also impact the pituitary gland, which regulates the release of hormones vital for ovulation. Excess insulin can lead to an overproduction of luteinising hormone (LH) by the pituitary gland. Elevated LH levels can further stimulate androgen production by the ovaries, creating a vicious cycle of hormonal imbalance that further hampers regular ovulation.
PCOS is a complex hormonal condition that can present a variety of symptoms that can vary widely among women. Understanding the signs of PCOS is crucial for its early detection and effective management. Here are the most common symptoms:
Many women with PCOS also suffer from fatigue, poor sleep and can feel easily stressed.
Understanding the root causes and physiology (this is a fancy term for the way cells work) can help you understand the flow-on effects of prolonged and excessive secretion of androgens and insulin, the overall implications of this syndrome, and most importantly, what you can do about it.
While there's no cure for PCOS, symptoms can be effectively managed through lifestyle modifications, among other strategies. Balancing diet and engaging in regular exercise can significantly help reduce both insulin and androgen levels.
Adopting a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help manage insulin and lower androgen levels in PCOS. Here are some food choices that may be beneficial:
Exercise plays a vital role in managing PCOS by helping to reduce insulin resistance and lower body weight:
Keep in mind that before starting any new diet or exercise regimen, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider or a dietitian to ensure it's suitable for your individual needs and circumstances. With the right combination of dietary changes and physical activity, the symptoms of PCOS can be managed effectively, improving overall health and fertility.
Diagnosis and treatment of PCOS require the assistance of healthcare professionals who have a thorough understanding of this complex condition. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Below are key specialists who can help manage PCOS:
Remember that managing PCOS is a team effort. Regularly communicating with your healthcare team and using health management tools like Vively can ensure you're actively participating in your health journey and making informed decisions.
Vively is a metabolic health app that offers a valuable tool for managing PCOS. By tracking your glucose levels, you can get real-time feedback on how different foods affect your blood sugar, helping you make healthier choices.
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Gain an in-depth understanding of PCOS, how it can affect fertility, and what hormones cause this condition. Discover evidence-based treatments to help manage this condition, as well as key specialists who can help you make informed decisions.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting up to one in five women of reproductive age. It is characterised by a hormonal imbalance, with elevated levels of androgens — male hormones — and insulin being central players. Understanding the dynamics of these key factors is essential to managing PCOS and enhancing fertility.
PCOS stands for poly-cystic ovarian syndrome:
Poly = many
Cystic = fluid-filled sack
Ovarian = in the ovaries
Syndrome = a collection of symptoms
Essentially, the underlying reason for why the ovary is producing excessive numbers of cysts is due to an excessive production of androgens and insulin.
Androgens are hormones usually associated with male traits, such as facial and body hair. All individuals, regardless of gender, produce these hormones, but women with PCOS often have excessively high androgen levels.
These excessive levels can lead to symptoms like hirsutism (excessive hair growth), acne and alopecia (hair loss). Moreover, high levels of androgens can interfere with ovulation, affecting fertility.
But what leads to this excessive androgen production in some women? The answer lies in a combination of genetic, environmental and metabolic factors.
Research suggests a strong genetic link to PCOS, meaning the condition often runs in families. Certain genes are believed to be involved in the overproduction of androgens in the ovaries. However, PCOS is likely to be the result of a complex interplay of numerous genes rather than the effect of a single gene.
A significant proportion of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which can lead to higher insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar levels. When there's resistance to its action, the body compensates by producing more insulin. This excess insulin can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens.
While not a cause of PCOS, obesity can exacerbate the condition. Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, is associated with insulin resistance, leading to higher insulin levels and thus increased androgen production. Weight loss, even if moderate, can help reduce insulin resistance and lower androgen levels.
Women with PCOS often have low-grade inflammation, which can stimulate the ovaries to produce androgens. This inflammation could be linked to obesity, as adipose (fat) tissue can release substances that promote inflammation.
While the exact cause of PCOS and excessive androgen production remains unclear, these factors play a significant role in the condition's development and progression. Understanding these aspects can help women with PCOS and their healthcare team devise effective management strategies, including lifestyle modifications and targeted therapies.
Insulin is a hormone that plays a vital role in regulating glucose metabolism in the body. However, when levels are persistently high, as seen with insulin resistance common in PCOS, it can have disruptive effects on ovulation, thereby affecting fertility.
Excessive insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce more androgens, including testosterone. These heightened androgen levels can disrupt the regular cycle of follicle growth and egg release in the ovaries. The result is a disturbance of the ovulation process. In some cases, an egg may not be released at all (anovulation), or it may be released infrequently or irregularly, making conception more challenging.
In addition to the direct influence on the ovaries, high insulin levels can also impact the pituitary gland, which regulates the release of hormones vital for ovulation. Excess insulin can lead to an overproduction of luteinising hormone (LH) by the pituitary gland. Elevated LH levels can further stimulate androgen production by the ovaries, creating a vicious cycle of hormonal imbalance that further hampers regular ovulation.
PCOS is a complex hormonal condition that can present a variety of symptoms that can vary widely among women. Understanding the signs of PCOS is crucial for its early detection and effective management. Here are the most common symptoms:
Many women with PCOS also suffer from fatigue, poor sleep and can feel easily stressed.
Understanding the root causes and physiology (this is a fancy term for the way cells work) can help you understand the flow-on effects of prolonged and excessive secretion of androgens and insulin, the overall implications of this syndrome, and most importantly, what you can do about it.
While there's no cure for PCOS, symptoms can be effectively managed through lifestyle modifications, among other strategies. Balancing diet and engaging in regular exercise can significantly help reduce both insulin and androgen levels.
Adopting a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help manage insulin and lower androgen levels in PCOS. Here are some food choices that may be beneficial:
Exercise plays a vital role in managing PCOS by helping to reduce insulin resistance and lower body weight:
Keep in mind that before starting any new diet or exercise regimen, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider or a dietitian to ensure it's suitable for your individual needs and circumstances. With the right combination of dietary changes and physical activity, the symptoms of PCOS can be managed effectively, improving overall health and fertility.
Diagnosis and treatment of PCOS require the assistance of healthcare professionals who have a thorough understanding of this complex condition. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Below are key specialists who can help manage PCOS:
Remember that managing PCOS is a team effort. Regularly communicating with your healthcare team and using health management tools like Vively can ensure you're actively participating in your health journey and making informed decisions.
Vively is a metabolic health app that offers a valuable tool for managing PCOS. By tracking your glucose levels, you can get real-time feedback on how different foods affect your blood sugar, helping you make healthier choices.
Get irrefutable data about your diet and lifestyle by using your own glucose data with Vively’s CGM Program. We’re currently offering a 20% discount for our annual plan. Sign up here.
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