Androgens and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) are closely related. PCOS is among the most common of female endocrine disorders. It can induce infertility.
Relationship Between PCOS & Androgens
PCOS surfaces when there is an excess synthesis of androgens among females. Please note that androgens include all male hormones, among which testosterone is considered the primary constituent. Usually, women have very low concentrations of testosterone in their bloodstream. They tend to have greater concentration of female reproductive hormones like progesterone and estrogen. A basic level of androgens is required for better hair and bone growth. These androgens also promote libido and activity of the oil glands.
When androgen levels rise, ovarian functionality is affected in a damaging manner. The polycystic ovaries are essentially over-stimulated ovaries--they are in a heightened state of producing more male hormones. To produce more testosterone, the ovaries release excessive amounts of Luteinizing Hormone (LH). Thus, the LH-producing anterior pituitary gland is also over-stimulated. The result is an onset of various disorders due to the hormonal imbalance.
This includes symptoms like acne and excessive facial hair (Hirsutism) along with a high probability of the patient developing metabolic disorders like diabetes or life-threatening conditions like coronary heart disease. Infertility is among commonest of conditions resulting from PCOS.
During PCOS, the immature follicles that have not matured into fully-functional ovaries turn into cysts. This means that ovarian development is hampered. The maturing follicles too are often found to be incapable of producing the required, reproductive hormones or sustain critical processes such as menstruation or fertilization.
