Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an endocrine disorder which affects between 6 and 15% of women of reproductive age.
PCOS is a complex disorder primarily caused by increased levels of androgens which lead to physical and metabolic issues such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth), obesity, acne, irregular periods caused by
irregular ovulation and, thus, infertility. Another problem present in approximately 40% of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome is insulin resistance, a condition responsible for several metabolic disorders.
PCOS is a chronic condition which is normally diagnosed during adolescence due to the presence of irregular menstrual cycles, acne and hirsutism. Its consequence in the medium term is generally the dreaded infertility, while in the long term it can put women at higher risk for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, elevated cholesterol… as well as an
increased risk for endometrial cancer due to less frequent menstrual cycles.