Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common condition among women. This syndrome causes multiple small cysts to form in the ovaries that impact hormone production, a regular menstrual cycle and the ability to get pregnant. WomensHealth.gov estimates that up to one in 10 women may have PCOS. Signs and symptoms of this disorder, however, vary among individuals. The hormone insulin, which affects glucose metabolism and energy production in your body, also affects your ovaries. High levels of insulin can lead to PCOS and treatment for this condition may include diabetes medications that inhibit excess insulin in your body. Consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Ovarian Function
The ovaries are primary organs of reproduction and hormone production. These small paired organs lie on either side of the uterus or womb and produce eggs, or ova. Ovulation normally occurs once every month when an ovum is released into the Fallopian tube connecting the ovary to the uterus. Before an egg is released, it matures inside a follicle of the ovary. More than one egg may begin to develop simultaneously but only one is typically released in ovulation. Patient.co.uk notes that the ovaries also produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which control your menstrual cycle and affect the development of breasts. Additionally, the ovaries produce tiny amounts of male hormones called androgens.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
PCOS is a medical condition that can affect your menstrual cycle, fertility, hormonal balance, cardiovascular health and even appearance causing excess body hair growth. This syndrome causes multiple ova or eggs to develop in the follicles every month. Patient.co.uk explains that polycystic refers to many cysts in the ovary at the same time. The balance of hormones the ovaries produce is also altered, causing some women to have a delay in ovulation or not ovulate at all. PCOS may also cause the ovaries too produce excess male androgen hormones such as testosterone. Symptoms and signs of polycystic ovarian syndrome vary; some women may have this disorder without developing multiple cysts in the ovaries.
Insulin Effects
You may be familiar with insulin as the hormone associated with diabetes. This hormone also affects the ovaries; high amounts of insulin can cause them to produce excess testosterone and other male hormones. The site WomensHealth.gov notes that women with PCOS commonly also have insulin resistance. This condition occurs when your cells become resistant or less sensitive to normal levels of insulin, triggering your body to produce more insulin. Hyperinsulinemia or high insulin levels is a primary cause of PCOS as high levels of insulin and testosterone interfere with normal development of the egg follicles leading to irregular menstrual cycles, reduced fertility and other symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for PCOS may include medications that affect how your body reacts to insulin and inhibits excess production of this hormone. These include some prescription drugs that are prescribed for patients with Type 2 diabetes. WomensHealth.gov notes that the medication metformin helps the body become more sensitive to insulin, while balancing blood sugar levels for improved diabetes control. These affects may also help with symptoms of PCOS to lower excess insulin and testosterone levels in the body. Metformin may be prescribed along with fertility drugs that stimulate ovulation. Metformin is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use for this purpose, however.
