ISSN: 2578-4641
Authors: Azeez T* and Abo-Briggs T
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common and complicated endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age group mainly. The characteristics features include an ovulatory menstrual changes, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries. It is diagnosed using various diagnostic criteria but the Rotterdam criteria are the most commonly referenced. PCOS is associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as glucose intolerance, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidaemia. Noncardiovascular complications such as subfertility, endometrial cancer, obstetric complications and psychological disturbance are also significant. The pathophysiology arises from the interactions between the predisposing genes and the environment. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of PCOS such as insulin resistance, altered androgen secretion and action, dysregulated gonadotropin action and chronic subclinical inflammation have genetic bases. The role of genes in the pathophysiology of PCOS is still an evolving concept and efforts are ongoing in gaining further understanding about the disease despite the challenges of genetic studies.
Keywords: PCOS; Genes; Pathophysiology
