Concept and Etiology: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common
cause of Ovarian Cysts. It is caused by an imbalance of reproductive
hormones. (Pal, 2019) With this hormonal imbalance it causes
problems within the ovaries, which causes cysts to form. Also, the
ovaries are meant to create eggs, and release them once a month for
a monthly ovulation, which is what women track in order to get
pregnant. When the ovaries do not release an egg, this can cause
infertility in a woman, which is a reproductive problem. There are
also some women who have urinary system problems. PCOS can
cause incontinence, urgency, and even some pelvic floor muscles
weaken, which is caused from weight gain which is common with
PCOS. (2018)
Classification: "Based on the response to hCRH, patients with PCOS
could be classified into three categories: those with a normal
response to hCRH (group 1), those with an exaggerated response of
ACTH to hCRH (group 2), and those with a high basal level of cortisol
and a poor response to hCRH (group 3). " - (Kondoh)
Clinical Manifestations: Some signs and symptoms of PCOS are
irregular menstrual cycles, acne, facial hair, weight gain, skin tags,
and thinning of hair. There is also mood swings, infertility, and
bladder control issues.
Diagnostic Testing: A physical exam will be completed to see if there
are any physical features, such as facial hair, wider hips, etc that
could point to PCOS. A pelvic exam is also a common research tool.
It helps identify if there is an enlarged clitoris (which is a sign of extra
male hormones) as well as checking to see if ovaries are enlarged or
swollen. A pelvic ultrasound is used to examine the ovaries for cysts
as well as see the endometrium. Another possible test is blood test.
This will check your androgen hormone levels. (Pal, 2019)
Kondoh, Y. (n.d.). Classification of polycystic ovary syndrome into three
types according to response to human corticotropin-releasing hormone.
Fertility and sterility. Retrieved November 26, 2021,
from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10428142/.
Pal, L. (n.d.). Polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome |
Office on Women's Health. Retrieved November 26, 2021,
from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-
syndrome#:~:text=PCOS%20is%20one%20of%20the%20most
