Polycystic ovary disease affects hormone cycles. Hormones help regulate the normal development of eggs in the ovaries. Although it is not completely understood why or how the hormone cycles are interrupted in PCOS, there are many problems that have been identified.
Follicles are sacs within the ovaries that contain eggs. In polycystic ovary disease, there are many poorly developed follicles in the ovaries. The eggs in these follicles do not mature and, therefore, cannot be released from the ovaries. Instead, they form cysts in the ovary.
This can contribute to infertility. The immature follicles and the inability to release an egg (ovulate) are likely caused by low levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and higher than normal levels of male hormones (androgens) produced in the ovary. It is known that these abnormal FSH and androgen levels are closely related to elevated levles of insulin in the blood. This is often caused by the decreased sensitivity to insulin which is often found in people who are overweight.
Women are usually diagnosed when in their 20s or 30s. Women with this disorder often have a mother or sister who has symptoms similar to polycystic ovary disease.
