Causes of PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. It’s a complex condition that affects hormone levels and can lead to symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, excess body hair, weight gain, and even fertility challenges. While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, research points to several key factors that may contribute to its development. In today’s post, we will go over what PCOS is and its potential causes.

According to the Endocrine Society, it’s estimated 5-6 million women in the United States have PCOS. With the number of women affected growing I wanted to do a blog post series dedicated to PCOS. In the next few weeks, we will take a look at everything PCOS. Before we jump into the potential causes of PCOS let’s take a quick look at the symptoms.

• infertility
• excessive hair on the face or body
• acne/oily skin
• hair thinning or male-pattern baldness
• unpredictable or absent periods
• weight gain, especially around the belly

Let’s go ahead and take a look at the causes of PCOS and how these underlying factors may impact women’s health.

Insulin Resistance:

One of the primary factors contributing to PCOS is insulin resistance. Approximately 70% of women with PCOS experience insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When cells become resistant to insulin, the body needs to produce more of it to manage blood sugar. High levels of insulin can trigger the ovaries to produce excess androgens (male hormones), which can interfere with normal ovulation and cause many of the symptoms associated with PCOS, such as acne, excess hair growth, and irregular menstrual cycles.

Insulin resistance is also linked to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, which can further increase insulin resistance and create a cycle that is difficult to break.

Hormonal Imbalance:

PCOS is often characterized by a hormonal imbalance involving an excess of androgens, low levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and imbalanced luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. The hormonal imbalances in PCOS often involve:

Excess Androgens: Women’s bodies naturally produce small amounts of androgens, or “male” hormones. However, women with PCOS tend to produce higher levels of androgens, which can disrupt ovulation, leading to irregular or missed periods and symptoms like hirsutism (excess hair growth), acne, and hair thinning.

Low FSH and High LH: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) regulate ovulation. In women with PCOS, FSH levels are often lower, and LH levels may be higher, which disrupts the normal menstrual cycle and can lead to infertility.

This hormonal imbalance can also affect mood and mental health, contributing to anxiety and depression, which are more common in women with PCOS.

Genetics:

Family history is a strong predictor of PCOS, suggesting that genetics play a role in its development. Research indicates that if a close female relative (such as a mother or sister) has PCOS, a woman is more likely to develop it. Although no single “PCOS gene” has been identified, multiple genes may contribute to the development of the condition.

These genetic factors likely affect how the body responds to insulin and regulates hormones, impacting ovulation and the menstrual cycle. Researchers are still working to identify specific genetic factors, but it’s clear that PCOS has a hereditary component.

Inflammation:

Inflammation is another important factor in PCOS, as women with the condition often have higher levels of low-grade inflammation. This inflammation can lead to elevated levels of androgens, which may worsen symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and acne.

Additionally, women with PCOS are more likely to have higher levels of inflammatory markers in their blood. Chronic low-grade inflammation has also been linked to insulin resistance and can increase the risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes in women with PCOS.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors:

Though lifestyle factors alone are not direct causes of PCOS, they can influence the severity of symptoms. Factors such as diet, physical activity, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can play a role.

Diet and Nutrition: A diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats may exacerbate insulin resistance and inflammation, both of which can worsen PCOS symptoms.

Sedentary Lifestyle: A lack of physical activity can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance, which may make it more challenging to manage PCOS.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): Environmental chemicals, such as those found in certain plastics, pesticides, and personal care products, can disrupt hormone regulation and may impact women with PCOS. While research is ongoing, minimizing exposure to these chemicals may be beneficial.

Obesity and Weight Gain:

While not a direct cause, obesity can worsen insulin resistance and contribute to hormone imbalances, making PCOS symptoms more severe. Women with PCOS often struggle with weight management due to insulin resistance, which creates a cycle where weight gain worsens symptoms, making it harder to manage the condition.

However, it’s essential to note that PCOS can affect women of all body types, including those who are not overweight. Weight alone does not cause PCOS, but maintaining a healthy weight can improve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Potential Role of Gut Health:

Emerging research is beginning to explore the role of the gut microbiome in PCOS. The microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms in the digestive tract that play a role in digestion, immunity, and hormone regulation. Studies suggest that an imbalance in gut bacteria may contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance, which could influence the development of PCOS.

Although research in this area is still in its early stages, some studies suggest that improving gut health through diet, probiotics, and lifestyle changes could help manage PCOS symptoms.

Make sure to check out all of our gut health-related posts linked below!

• “How to heal a leaky gut”
• “Gut health and the link to Autoimmune Diseases”
• “Gut healing smoothie recipe” 
• “5 Best supplements to heal the gut” 
• “Gut healthy green smoothie recipe”

Understanding the causes of PCOS can empower you to make informed choices about managing the condition. While PCOS is a complex condition influenced by genetics, hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, inflammation, and lifestyle factors, there are many effective strategies to help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. With a combination of medical support, dietary changes, exercise, and stress management, many women with PCOS can manage their symptoms and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.