Hormonal imbalances in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) primarily involve:
A Mineralocorticoids
B Glucocorticoids
C Thyroid hormones
D Sex steroids (androgens)
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Sex steroids (androgens).
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. One of the hallmark features of PCOS is hormonal imbalance, particularly with androgens, which are male sex hormones that are also present in women but in smaller amounts. These include testosterone, which is often elevated in women with PCOS.
The hormonal imbalance in PCOS involves an increased secretion of androgens from the ovaries and sometimes the adrenal glands. Elevated levels of these hormones can interfere with normal ovarian function, leading to symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation (lack of ovulation), and the development of cysts on the ovaries. This overproduction of androgens can also cause hirsutism (excess hair growth on the face, chest, and abdomen) and acne.
Another key aspect of PCOS is insulin resistance, which can further disrupt the balance of sex hormones. Insulin resistance increases the secretion of insulin in the body, which can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, exacerbating the symptoms.
In addition to sex steroids, other hormones, such as thyroid hormones, mineralocorticoids, and glucocorticoids, play important roles in overall endocrine function. However, in PCOS, the primary issue is with the androgens or male sex hormones, making them the most critical factor in the condition’s hormonal imbalance.
Management of PCOS often includes strategies to regulate the hormonal imbalance, such as oral contraceptives to lower androgen levels, anti-androgen medications to address symptoms like hirsutism, and medications to improve insulin sensitivity, such as metformin.