Polycystic Ovarian Syndrom & Fertility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrom & Fertility - Essay Example Syndrom, also known as the Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is possibly the commonest endocrine disorder, which accounts for most of cases of anovulatory infertility, hirsutism and menstrual disturbance in women. This quite prevalent condition has diverse manifestations and as a result, it may present to dermatologists, gynaecologists, endocrinologists, general practitioners, specialists who deal with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, infertility specialists, among others. In other words, the condition can affect almost every organ of a woman. Over time, both the condition’s nature in the patient as well as the presentation may vary (Balen, et al., 2005). Elsheikh and Murphy explain that this condition is known to cause excessive hair growth in the body and the face, acne, scalp hair thinning and worse still, infertility. Other symptoms include menstrual cycle disturbance, hyperandrogenism, and obesity. Apparently, gaining weight/obesity aggravates the symptoms since hormonally active fatty tissues produce oestrogen, which disrupts ovulation. These symptoms may occur either in combination or singly. The risk of developing heart disease and diabetes is high among its victims. Cases of multiple pregnancy, early pregnancy as well as later complications of pregnancy are common among women with this condition, following conception, spontaneous and following infertility treatment. Although scholars believe that the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, investigations have proved that it is genetically transmitted and that it is more prevalent among women who come from families with a history of diabetes. Many women with this condition have reduced insulin sensitivity and their bodies overcompensate by producing excess insulin levels, which some experts believe to be the underlying cause of PCOS since insulin stimulates the production of androgen and effects follicular development (follicles are egg-containing sacs within the ovaries). High levels of insulin secretion also