Chapter 28 POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS often have irregular menses, obesity, infertility, and hirsutism.
Medications That May Cause Symptoms That Mimic Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Anabolic steroids (may cause hirsutism, acne, and amenorrhea)
Danazol (may cause amenorrhea and hirsutism)
Diazoxide (may cause hirsutism)
Glucocorticoids (may cause hirsutism)
Oral contraceptives (may cause amenorrhea)
Phenytoin (may cause hirsutism)
Progestins (may cause amenorrhea, hirsutism, and acne)
Causes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is not completely understood. It involves the dysregulation of complex hormone cycles that leads to luteinizing hormone excess, androgen excess, insulin resistance, and chronic anovulation. There is a probable genetic predisposition to PCOS that is affected by environmental factors, especially obesity.
