Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS for short is a disorder that causes an imbalance in female sex hormones. The imbalance can lead to a variety of symptoms and also affect a woman's fertility.
To understand what PCOS is and how it affects a woman, it's helpful to learn a little about how the ovaries work.
Every month in women of childbearing age, tiny fluid-filled cysts called follicles develop on the surface of the ovary. One of the follicles will produce a mature egg, which is released from the ovary. Female sex hormones including estrogen cause the egg to mature and break through the follicle.
In women who have polycystic ovary syndrome, there is an imbalance in female sex hormones. The imbalance may prevent mature eggs from developing and being released. Without a mature egg, ovulation does not occur, which leads to infertility.
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| The imbalance in female hormones may prevent ovulation, leading to infertility. If showing any symptoms of PCOS, it is wise to see a doctor in order to prevent further complications. Unless a woman is trying to get pregnant, birth control pills may be used to correct the hormonal imbalance. |
Source: MedicalNewsToday.
