Polycystic ovary syndrome: Causes, symptoms, pathophysiology, and remedies

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine and metabolic disorder during the reproductive age of women, is characterized by high androgen levels, irregular menses, and small cysts in the ovaries. One in 10 women worldwide is affected by PCOS. Women with PCOS might experience abnormal insulin activity, along with complications such as obesity, acne, pattern hair loss, mood swings, hirsutism, and infertility. PCOS is linked with severe clinical ailments such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and cancer. The disease (PCOS) is often caused by a faulty lifestyle, neuroendocrine factors, genetic causes, and androgen exposures, leading to dysregulated hormonal state, hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinemia, and inflammation. Society often preaches women to keep their physiological problems such as PCOS under the veil. Lack of conscience and the compulsion to abide by societal norms is often a barrier to the early diagnosis of PCOS. This review summarizes the causes, symptoms, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and possible treatment (medical, herbal, lifestyle improvement, acupuncture, and bariatric surgery) related to PCOS.