ovary

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)

What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_0

Polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance in which the ovaries (the organs that produce and release eggs) are affected, creating an excess of male hormones. If you have PCOS, your ovaries produce abnormally high levels of hormones called androgens. This leads to an imbalance of reproductive hormones and disrupts the entire hormonal background in the body, leading to other health problems and disorders.&nbsp;

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_1

As a result, women with polycystic ovary syndrome often have an irregular menstrual cycle, miss monthly menstruation or have unpredictable ovulation. Small cysts can develop on the ovaries (fluid-filled bags) due to lack of ovulation (anovulation). However, although the name of the condition is 'achievable', you do not necessarily have cysts on your ovaries to develop PCOS. The condition can develop without them.

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_2

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_3

Some of the most important facts regarding polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that you need to know are:

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_4

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Many women suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome without being aware of it. A study shows that up to 70% of women suffering from this disease are not diagnosed. [&nbsp;<a href="https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/102/2/604/2972079" target="_blank" data-ref="Delayed Diagnosis and a Lack of Information Associated With Dissatisfaction in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;]&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A woman can develop PCOS at any time after puberty. Most women are diagnosed in their 20s or 30s when trying to get pregnant. Research shows that polycystic ovary syndrome is transmitted by inheritance. [&nbsp;<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1385/ENDO:30:1:19?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=b5683b1b-1b01-46cc-ad97-682a72958184" target="_blank" data-ref="The role of genes and environment in the etiology of PCOS - Endocrine" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">You may have a higher chance of developing PCOS if you are overweight or obese, or if other people in your family have PCOS. [&nbsp;<a href="https://academic.oup.com/jes/article/3/8/1545/5518341" target="_blank" data-ref="Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Presentation, and Treatment With Emphasis on Adolescent Girls" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;]&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rotterdam criteria have been established, according to which "Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is determined by the presence of two out of three of the following criteria: oligoanovulation, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries (&ge; 12 follicles with a diameter of 2-9 mm and/or ovarian volume 10 ml in at least one ovary)." [&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajum.12096" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;] together with ultrasound examination and other diagnostic methods, they can facilitate better and early diagnosis of PCOS, reducing health risks.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">About 70% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome have insulin resistance, which means that their cells cannot use insulin properly. [&nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0015028211028123" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;] Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It helps the body use sugar from food to generate energy. When cells do not consume insulin properly<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3277302/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">, the body's need for it increases</a>. The pancreas produces more insulin to compensate for this. Excess insulin causes the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones).</li></ul>

The-most-popular-symptoms-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)

The most popular symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

The-most-popular-symptoms-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_1_0

Some women face symptoms around their first cycle. Others found they had ovarian cancer after gaining a lot of extra weight or having difficulty conceiving. Imbalance in the menstrual cycle can also be a signal that a woman suffers from PCOS.

The-most-popular-symptoms-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_1_1

The most common symptoms of this disease are:

The-most-popular-symptoms-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_1_2

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Irregular menstruation. The absence of ovulation interferes with the monthly discharge of the surface layer of the uterine mucosa (endometrium). Some women with polycystic have less than eight menstruations per year, and there are cases in which the menstrual cycle is completely absent. [ <a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome" target="_blank" data-ref="Polycystic ovary syndrome | Office on Women's Health" rel="noopener">[ref. 6]</a>&nbsp;]&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Severe bleeding. The endometrium becomes more massive, therefore the menstruations are heavier than usual.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">More than 70% of women with this disease have facial hair appearing at unusual areas of the body - back, abdomen, breasts. Excessive body hair in these areas is called hirsutism. [&nbsp;<a href="http://www.eurekaselect.com/article/77195" target="_blank" data-ref="Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Management" rel="noopener">[ref. 7]</a>&nbsp;]</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Acne. Male hormones (androgens) can make the skin oilier than usual and cause skin imperfections in areas such as the face, chest and upper back.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Weight gain. Up to 80 percent of women with PCOS are overweight or obese, as cited by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos?utm_source=redirect&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=otn" target="_blank" data-ref="Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)" rel="noopener">[ref. 8]</a>&nbsp;]&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Male pattern&nbsp;baldness. Hair on the scalp becomes thinner and can fall out more.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Darkening of the skin. Dark spots on the skin can form in folds on the body, such as those of the neck, in the groin and under the chest.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Headache. Hormonal changes can cause headaches in some women.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Low-grade inflammation: Women with PCOS tend to have chronic low-legrade inflammation. The healthcare professional you are targeting can perform blood tests that measure levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells to check for such inflammation in the body.</li></ul>

Herbal-treatments-for-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)

Herbal treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Herbal-treatments-for-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_2_0

According to a study conducted by Iranian and German scientists, published on June 3, 2019 [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/9/6/215" target="_blank" data-ref="The Effectiveness of Herbal Mixture Supplements with and without Clomiphene Citrate in Comparison to Clomiphene Citrate on Serum Antioxidants and Glycemic Biomarkers in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Willing to Be Pregnant: A Randomized Clinical Trial" rel="noopener">[ref. 9]</a>&nbsp;], supplements from herbal mixtures, in combination with clomiphene citrate (CC), have a beneficial effect on serum antioxidant levels, as well as on glycaemic biomarkers in polycystic ovary syndrome, causing infertility, regulation of menstruation and successful conception.&nbsp;

Herbal-treatments-for-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_2_1

The herbs studied are:&nbsp;

Herbal-treatments-for-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_2_2

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mint (Mentha spicata) [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14450" target="_blank" data-ref="Mentha" rel="noopener">[ref. 10]</a>&nbsp;]&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ginger (Zingiber officinale) [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Zingiber_officinale_ginger_Monograph_12946242" target="_blank" data-ref="Zingiber officinale (ginger). Monograph. | Билкови и природни лекарства" rel="noopener">[ref. 11]</a>&nbsp;]&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/15249" target="_blank" data-ref="Cinnamomum zeylanicum" rel="noopener">[ref. 12]</a>&nbsp;]&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814612011533?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" data-ref="Role of Essential Oil of Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) in Addressing Reverse Hormonal and Folliculogenesis Disturbances in a Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in a Rat Model - PubMed" rel="noopener">) [</a>&nbsp;[ref. 13]&nbsp;</li></ul>Next, we will take a brief overview of the main health-friendly properties of each of these herbs.

Beneficial-properties-of-herbs-in-PCOS-and-other-health-conditions

Beneficial properties of herbs in PCOS and other health conditions

Mint-(Mentha-spicata)

Mint (Mentha spicata) 

Mint-(Mentha-spicata)_3_0

Mentha spicata (mint) of the Lamiaceae family, a widespread plant in the temperate belt has anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anticancer effect [&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29399556/" target="_blank" data-ref="Preventive and Protective Properties of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) in Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Complications, and Associated Lipid and Other Metabolic Disorders: A Brief Review" rel="noopener">[ref. 14]</a>&nbsp;. Some studies confirm that mint contains various volatile compounds such as p-cimen, isopiperitone, mentone and &beta;-linalool and various phenolic phytocompositions, which are not only considered an antioxidant source, but also reduce glucose levels and oxidative stress.

Mint-(Mentha-spicata)_3_1

Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)_3_0

The main components of Zingiber officinale Roscoe - a representative of the Zingiberaceae family, are zingiberene, campen and p-cinaol, which show antioxidant, anticancer, anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, ginger significantly reduces serum fasting blood sugar levels and insulin levels, contributes to blood pressure control and supports intestinal health. In vitro and in vivo studies confirm that ginger increases levels of SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase) and GPX (glutathione peroxidase), as well as increases the antioxidant capacity in the blood. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/516870/" target="_blank" data-ref="Preventive and Protective Properties of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) in Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Complications, and Associated Lipid and Other Metabolic Disorders: A Brief Review" rel="noopener">[ref. 15]</a>&nbsp;]

Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)_3_1

Ceylon-cinnamon-(Cinnamomum-zeylanicum)

Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) 

Ceylon-cinnamon-(Cinnamomum-zeylanicum)_3_0

Cinnamomum zeylanicum nees (Cinnamon) from the Lauraceae family is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [&nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0278691507000889" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 16]</a>&nbsp;]. Cinnamon extract can be used as an antioxidant due to its phenolic content, especially cynamaldehyde, which improves the level of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, and reduces the concentration of MDA (malonal dialdehyde), as well as increases the possibility of becoming pregnant. In addition, it significantly reduces insulin and blood sugar, which is obviously key in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Ceylon-cinnamon-(Cinnamomum-zeylanicum)_3_1

Sweet-Orange-(Citrus-sinensis)

Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)

Sweet-Orange-(Citrus-sinensis)_3_0

Citrus Sinensis (L.) Osbeck of the Rutaceae family contains mainly hesperidine, polymetoxylated flavonoids and terpenoids (&nbsp; citric and linalool). These phenolic bioactive compounds show significant cytoprotective effects (protecting cells) against oxidative stress created by free radicals. In addition, hesperidine in C. sinensis increases levels of antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase and catalase, and reduces the level of malonal dialdehyde.&nbsp;

Sweet-Orange-(Citrus-sinensis)_3_1

According to the results of a team of scientists who conducted a randomized blind study on the effectiveness of herbal extracts in PCOS, the herbal mixture of four components - mint, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon and sweet orange, demonstrated powerful antioxidant activity. It is due to the total content of phenols and flavonoids. As the study shows, supplements from herbal mixtures, together with clomiphene citrate, can have a beneficial effect on serum antioxidant levels, as well as on glycaemic biomarkers of infertility in PCOS, regulating menstruation and increasing the chance of becoming pregnant. Ginger with a wide range of antioxidants and polyphenol compounds such as β-carotene, ascorbic acid, terpenoids, alkaloids, and polyphenols such as flavonoids, flavon glycosides, is considered the richest source of phytochemical antioxidants. Phenolic phytochemicals of mint significantly improve antioxidant protection. The bark of C. sinensis is also very rich in phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which can be consumed as natural antioxidants. These natural remedies can help with a variety of health problems, including overweight, impaired immunity, high blood pressure and obesity, as well as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Effectiveness of herbal supplements in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/bf526fdd-d624-4050-a04a-4e722c5c6b3a_middle.jpg

Effectiveness of herbal supplements in polycystic ovary syndrome 

Бетина Цветкова

_-1_0

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

_-1_1

_-1_2

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2012, 116 million women (3.4%) worldwide suffered from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Worldwide, estimates of the prevalence of PCOS are highly variable, ranging from 2.2% to 26%. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110569016301510#b0005" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>] It is estimated that in the United States alone, between 5% and 10% of women of childbearing potential have this problem. [<a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 2</a>]

_-1_3

Women with polycystic ovaries have hormonal imbalances and metabolic problems that can affect their health. The condition is common in women of childbearing potential and may include symptoms such as irregular menstruation, acne, thinning hair and weight gain.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common health problem caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones.

Polycystic ovary syndrome can cause omission or irregular menstruation, which can lead to:

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Infertility (inability to get pregnant) - PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, but with proper medical intervention, a woman can still become pregnant - sometimes even without intervention.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Development of cysts (small fluid-filled bags) in the ovaries.</li>
</ul>

Usually, a woman understands that she suffers from the syndrome when she visits her gynecologist after unsuccessful attempts to becomepregnant.

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_5

How do cysts form? If this happens, the body may not be able to synthesize the hormone progesterone, which is needed to maintain a regular cycle, as well as to hold the pregnancy.

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_6

In addition, women with PCOS produce an excess of the female sex hormone estrogen. Although this does not contribute to the observed symptoms, in the long run this may prove to be a major risk factor for the development of uterinecancer. [<a href="https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/fertility-blog/2020/march/five-myths-about-pcos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 4</a>]

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_7

Some of the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include:

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_8

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Irregular menstrual cycle. Women with the syndrome may miss their menstruation sporadically or have fewer menstrual cycles (less than eight per year). Or menstruation may occur every 21 days or more often. In some women with PCOS, menstruation completely stops.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Too much hair on the face, chin or male type of hair. This is called hirsutism. Hirsutism affects up to 70% of women with venous ovaries.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Acne on the face, chest and upper back.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Thinning of hair or hair loss; male baldness.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Weight gain or difficulty losing weight.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Darkening of the skin ,especially on thefolds of the neck, in the groin and under the chest.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Skin formationssimilar to warts. They are soft, with the color of the skin and appear in the armpits or neck area.</li>
</ul>

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_9

The exact cause of the development of ovarian cancer is unknown. Most experts believe that several factors, including genetics, play a role:

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_10

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">High levels of androgens. Androgens are sometimes called "male hormones", although each woman's body normally synthesizes small amounts of them. Androgens control the development of male traits. Women with PCOS have more androgens than normal.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">High levels of insulin. Insulin is a hormone As a result, the levels of this hormone in the blood become higher than normal. Many women with PCOS also have insulin resistance, especially those who are overweight or obese, unhealthy eating habits, insufficient physical activity or have a family history of diabetes (usually type 2 <a href="/p/vsichko_za_diabiet_tip_2_na_iedno_miasto_9b1be4d6_84a7_42c6_8e37_de3bd6480ba1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> diabetes).</li>
</ul>

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_11

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_12

How is the diagnosis made? In order to be diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, it is necessary to exclude other causes of the patient's symptoms. The doctor will be interested in her medical history to date and will do a physical examination, as well as various studies:

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_13

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Physical examination. The doctor will ask about the body mass index (BM) and waist size, whether there is excess hair, acne or discolouration of the skin on the face, chest or back.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Pelvic examination. The doctor may look for visible signs of increased levels of male hormones (e.g. enlarged clitoris) and check if the ovaries are enlarged or swollen.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Ultrasound of the pelvis (sonogram). This test uses ultrasound waves to examine the ovaries for cysts and to check the endometrium (lining of the uterus).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Blood tests. Blood tests check the levels of androgenic hormones. The doctor will also order a test for hormones associated with other common health problems that can be confused with polycystic ovary syndrome, such as thyroid disease.</li>
</ul>

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_14

If we are overweightor obese , the first and most important step is to make efforts to lose weight. Healthy eating habits and regular physical activity can help alleviate symptoms associated withpolycystic ovary syndrome.

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_15

Weight loss can help lower blood sugar levels,improve the way the body uses insulin, and normalize hormonelevels. Even 10% body weight loss can regulate the menstrual cycle and improve the chances of getting pregnant.

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_16

What-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-(PCOS)_0_17

The relationship between weight and PCOS is related to the body's inability to use insulin correctly , which can lead to weightgain.

What-is-insulin-resistance

What is insulin resistance

What-is-insulin-resistance_1_0

Insulin is a hormone It helps glucose in the blood to enter the cells of muscle and fat tissue and of the liver, where it is used for energy. Glucose comes from the food we eat. The liver also produces glucose when needed, for example, when we are starving. When the blood sugar level rises after a meal, the pancreas releases insulin into theblood.

What-is-insulin-resistance_1_1

With insulin resistance, cells do not react normally to insulin and cannot easily absorb glucose from theblood.

What-is-insulin-resistance_1_2

If this does not happen, a prediabetic condition occurs. In this case, blood sugar levels are higher thannormal, but not high enough to diagnose diabetes.

What-is-insulin-resistance_1_3

What-is-insulin-resistance_1_4

Prediabetes are usually found in people who already have some insulin resistance or whose beta cells in the pancreas do not produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar within normal limits. Without enough insulin, additional glucose remains in the blood instead of entering the cells and being used for energy. Over time, type <a href="/p/vsichko_za_diabiet_tip_2_na_iedno_miasto_9b1be4d6_84a7_42c6_8e37_de3bd6480ba1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">2 diabetes may develop.</a>

What-is-insulin-resistance_1_5

Researchers still do not fully understand the causes of insulin resistance and prediabetes, but believe that excess weight and lack of physical activity are also major factors in this case.

What-is-insulin-resistance_1_6

It is believed that obesity - especially too much fat in the abdomen and around organscalled visceral fat - is a major cause of insulin resistance. Waist circumference above 100 cm in men and over 89 cm in women is often associated with the onset of insulin resistance. This is true even if the body mass index (BM) falls within normal limits. [<a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/prediabetes-insulin-resistance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 5</a>]

What-is-insulin-resistance_1_7

Fat does not only serve to store energy. Research has shown that belly fat synthesizes hormones and other substances that can contribute to the onset of chronic or long-term inflammation in the body.

What-is-insulin-resistance_1_8

In turn, insufficient physical activity is also associated with insulin resistance and prediabetes. As already mentioned, regular physical activity leads to changes in the body that make it more able to maintain the balance of glucose levels in the blood.

What-are-the-symptoms-of-insulin-resistance-and-prediabetes

What are the symptoms of insulin resistance and prediabetes

What-are-the-symptoms-of-insulin-resistance-and-prediabetes_1_0

Insulin resistance and prediabetes usually have no symptoms . In some people with prediabetes, darkening of the skin is observed in the area of the armpit or neck at the back and side of the neck, a condition calledacanthosis nigricans.

What-are-the-symptoms-of-insulin-resistance-and-prediabetes_1_1

What-is-the-relationship-between-insulin-resistance-and-PCOS

What is the relationship between insulin resistance and PCOS

What-is-the-relationship-between-insulin-resistance-and-PCOS_2_0

In general, insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia (too high levels of insulin in the blood) affect about 65–70% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome, with 70–80% of obese women (BM&gt; 30) and 20–25% of weak women (BM &lt;25) exhibiting these characteristics. Some of the insulin resistance appears to be independent of obesity andis specifically associated with PCOS, with abnormalities of insulin action cell mechanismsand insulin receptor function documented. [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3277302/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 6</a>]

What-is-the-relationship-between-insulin-resistance-and-PCOS_2_1

It seems that too high levels of insulin are an important factor in maintaining excessive levels of androgens in the blood , directly causing the excess productionof androgens from the flow cells, as well as as co-gonadotropin, amplifying the effect of the increased LH stimulus seen in most women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

What-is-the-relationship-between-insulin-resistance-and-PCOS_2_2

Insulin resistance, compensatory hyperinsulinaemia and its effects have negative effects on both metabolic and reproductive health. Options for treating insulin resistance/hyperinsulinaemia include lifestyle changes, exercise, diet and weight loss or metformin treatment.

What-is-the-relationship-between-insulin-resistance-and-PCOS_2_3

Given the high prevalence of obesity among women with PCOS, efforts to reduce weight are an important component of the treatment ofthe condition.

What-is-the-relationship-between-insulin-resistance-and-PCOS_2_4

The main limitation of this therapy is the difficulty of keeping changes for an extended period of time, and unfortunately relapses occur.

What-is-the-relationship-between-insulin-resistance-and-PCOS_2_5

What-is-the-relationship-between-insulin-resistance-and-PCOS_2_6

Of course, it should be taken into account that not every woman with polycystic ovary syndrome also suffers from insulin resistance.

What-is-the-relationship-between-insulin-resistance-and-PCOS_2_7

There are otherconditions - potentially accompanying PCOS that are well followed - impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, metabolicsyndrome, LDL cholesterol levels. [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3277302/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 6</a>]

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy

Effects of polycystic ovary syndrome on fertility and pregnancy

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_0

Polycystic ovary syndrome can affect a woman's fertility in different ways.

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_1

Problems with ovulation are usually the main cause of infertility in those suffering from the syndrome. Ovulation may not occur for two reasons: due to an increase in testosterone production or because the follicles on the ovaries do not ripen.

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_2

Even if ovulation occurs, the imbalance in hormones can prevent the mucous membrane of the uterus from developing properly to allow implantation of the fertilized egg, which will prevent the onset of pregnancy.

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_3

Due to unbalanced hormones, ovulation and menstruation can be irregular. Unpredictable menstrual cycles can also make it difficult to get pregnant. [<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/312841#causes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 7</a>]

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_4

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_5

When pregnancy occurs, women with PCOS are at greater risk of [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Pregnancy_complications_in_women_with_polycystic_ovary_syndrome_18181085" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 8</a>]:

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_6

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Miscarriage;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="/p/diabiet_po_vriemie_na_briemiennost_simptomi_riskovie_i_svieti_245acb17_9bf9_4af8_a562_bd8e4664e6e5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Gestational diabetes</a> [ref. 9];</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Preeclampsia;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Cesarean section;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">The baby can be born with more weight or spend more time in neonatology.</li>
</ul>

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_7

These complications are preventable under careful medical supervision, as well as with effort on the part of the woman with PCOS, who plans pregnancy: weight loss if he is overweight, and lowering blood sugar if it is too high.

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_8

With the necessary preparation and attention to the condition, conception and wear of a healthy baby, it is quite possible for sufferers of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_9

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_10

<a href="/p/diabiet_po_vriemie_na_briemiennost_simptomi_riskovie_i_svieti_245acb17_9bf9_4af8_a562_bd8e4664e6e5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Diabetes during pregnancy: symptoms, risks and advice</a>

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_11

<a href="/p/kak_proticha_briemiennostta_po_siedmitsi_i_miesietsi_razvitiie_na_biebieto_promieni_v_tialoto_na_maikata_razhdanie_6e49cc34_cfe6_441b_a438_fda56e254782" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">How pregnancy proceeds by weeks and months - baby development, changes in the mother's body, childbirth</a>

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_12

<a href="/p/khrani_za_dobro_umstvienoto_razvitiie_na_dietsata_oshchie_ot_zachatiieto_62d7f7d6_0451_494e_9289_dc5178e38fd1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Food for good children's mental development since conception</a>

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_13

<a href="/p/kakvo_triabva_da_napravia_priedi_da_zabriemienieia_4b16b1ee_ee57_42b3_a922_a570e07f2896" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">What should I do before I get pregnant</a>

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_14

<a href="/p/6_prvonachalni_simptoma_na_briemiennostta_4cecc476_1151_4208_8c02_40531579bf2b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">6 initial symptoms of pregnancy</a>

Effects-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-on-fertility-and-pregnancy_3_15

<a href="/p/kakvo_ie_tsvietna_briemiennost_i_drughi_prichini_za_krvienie_v_nachaloto_na_briemiennostta_829151fa_e886_4b7d_b980_730c29f42fb8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">What is color pregnancy and other causes of bleeding at the beginning of pregnancy</a>

The relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance and infertility

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/cdc380c2-586e-4125-a41e-b28adca16755_middle.jpg

 The relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

The article is based on materials by Marie-Claude Delahaye - a professor at Pierre and Marie Curie University in Paris. Works in the field of genetics and cell biology. She is the author of numerous scientific publications and books on women, pregnancy and motherhood.

There is no other period in a woman's life that can be compared to what happens to her body and psyche during pregnancy. The life that develops in her changes her with each passing day - this is a reality from the first day of conception, but it is most noticeable in the last months of pregnancy.

_-1_4

In this article, we will look at what these changes are, but also what happens invisibly in the belly of the future mother. This will be a brief description of your baby's journey from one cell to it's own cradle at home.

The-beginning

The beginning

The-beginning_0_0

Fertilization is most likely to occur with sexual intercourse in the three days before ovulation - a moment that occurs at different times for each woman, and even with each individual menstrual cycle, but most often it occurs 2-3 weeks after the onset of the last menstruation.

The-beginning_0_1

With ejaculation, between 60 and 500 million spermatozoa are released, which fall into the cervical mucus (which in the period around ovulation has a consistency and composition that support the survival and movement of spermatozoa) and enter through the cervix in 2 to 10 minutes. Their path to the egg passes through the uterus and fallopian tubes, where the two sex cells occur.

The-beginning_0_2

The-beginning_0_3

Only about 100-200 spermatozoa manage to reach this covenant place and only 1 - to perform<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Time_to_conception_and_the_menstrual_cycle_an_observational_study_of_fertility_app_users_who_conceived_31094573" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fertilization.</a>

The-first-days-of-a-new-life

The first days of a new life

The-first-days-of-a-new-life_1_0

With the fusion of the egg and spermatozoa, the sex and all genetic characteristics of the child are determined. The sex of the child depends on what sperm has fertilized the egg - if he wears a sex X chromosome, then we will have a baby girl if she carries a Y - a baby boy.

The-first-days-of-a-new-life_1_1

The first week of life of our future child passes into intensive cell division and movement from the place of fertilization - the fallopian tube, to the uterus and implantation in its mucous membrane. The latter occurs somewhere between the 7th and 10th days of fertilization.

The-first-days-of-a-new-life_1_2

From this part of the fetus, from which the placenta will then develop, begins secretion of the hormone gonadotropin, which supports the secretion of progesterone from the yellow body in the ovary - a condition that is necessary for the retention of pregnancy.

First-trimester-of-pregnancy

First trimester of pregnancy

First-trimester-of-pregnancy_2_0

First-month

First month

First-month_2_0

Congratulations! On the second week after fertilization and about 4 weeks after the onset of the last menstruation, you are pregnant in the first month.

First-month_2_1

Already in the first week begins the formation of embryonic appendages - these are the placenta and umbilical cord, At this time, the mother does not know if she is pregnant and has no symptoms. The pregnancy test is good to do after at least one day of delay of menstruation to give a more accurate result, and the most accurate is the blood - but let us have patience [<a href="https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/understanding-pregnancy-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 6</a>].

First-month_2_2

At the end of the second week (on the 21st day of fertilization), the fetus will have reached the dizzying dimensions of... 1.5 millimeters, and only the next day will already be 2 millimeters. At that time, a heart had already formed, of course very imperfect, but still beating.

First-month_2_3

It has been 4 weeks since fertilization and the baby already has even blood circulation, as well as conceptions of hands and feet. At the end of this week the head is clearly separated, but the little one also has a tail, which will then disappear. It has the shape of a 5mm comma.

ovary

The relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance and infertility

Pregnancy by weeks and months - baby development, changes in the mother's body, childbirth