What are the Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

Symptoms /Characteristics of PCOS include:

Hyperandrogenism

Including:

• Development of male sex characteristics (virilism):   Decreased breast size, deepening voice, enlarged clitoris (rare), and hirsutism (increased hair on any of chest, abdomen, face, stomach, back, thumbs, toes, around the nipples)

Hirsutism

• Male-pattern baldness.    A thinning of hair on head
• Skin changes.   Acne and dark/thick skin markings/creases around the armpits, groin, neck, and breasts due to INSULIN sensitivity; skin tags or tiny excess flaps of skin in armpits or neck area

Changes in secretion of pituitary gonadotrophins GROWTH HORMONE (GH) and ACTH.

Inefficient CORTISOL production results in rising levels of ACTH (stress-responsive hormone for stimulating adrenal CORTISOL production) which in turn induces overgrowth (hyperplasia) and over-activity of the steroid-producing cells of the adrenal cortex.

INSULIN resistance / Weight gain (usually around the waist) /Type 2 diabetes.

It is possible that hyperinsulinemia can actually cause an increase in androgen and probably ovarian hormone production.

• The majority of patients with PCOS have INSULIN-resistance (IR).    Associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and obesity; IR leads to high blood INSULIN levels and according to Jerilyn Prior, M.D., INSULIN stimulates androgen receptors on the outside of the ovary, causing the typical symptoms of hyperandrogenism (see above);
• INSULIN resistance has been linked to recurrent pregnancy loss.   High INSULIN levels stimulate production of LH and Testosterone and excessive levels of INSULIN, LH and Testosterone are associated with poorer egg quality, thus increasing the risk of miscarriage.
• Androgens play a role in blocking the release of the egg from the follicle and producing cysts.

Insulin Resistance (IR)

(not yet available)

An unhealthy diet is a contributing factor of PCOS

Young women with PCOS tend to eat too much sugar and refined carbohydrates giving rise to IR with inherent unhealthy INSULIN levels.

Characterized by an increased inflammatory state

With increased secretion of interleukins, chemokines, and adipokines.

Increased bone mineral density

Despite decreased vitamin D levels.

Possible iodine deficiency

Causes impaired thyroid function, suggested as a factor in PCOS development.  The ovary has the highest concentration of iodine, second only to the thyroid.Iodine also has a critical role in INSULIN function, which may explain the INSULIN resistance often seen in PCOS. An iodine loading test determines whether you are deficient by testing amount of iodine excreted in urine over 24 hours. If you don't excrete it, your body needed it and you are therefore iodine deficient.

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