Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Clinical Features, Genetics of Disease, and Diagnosis Criteria

Rashid Jafardoust Bostani; Maryam Parvini Kohneshahri

doi:10.18502/ssu.v29i6.6990

Rashid Jafardoust Bostani Department of Biology, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran.
Maryam Parvini Kohneshahri Department of Biology, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ssu.v29i6.6990

Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, clinical symptoms, factors involved in disease development, diagnosis, treatment.

Abstract

Introduction: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine condition affecting 7-10% of women in reproductive age. PCOS is generally characterized by hirsutism, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Insulin resistance is the hallmark of PCOS with a considerable prevalence. Despite numerous studies, the etiology of PCOS haas not been cleared yet; PCOS is considered a multifactorial syndrome with a wide range of genetic, endocrine, molecular, and environmental abnormalities. Altered expression of several genes and miRNAs in PCOS patients has become a useful and non-invasive method in the characterization of PCOS in the last decades. On the other hand, altered secretion of sexual hormones like testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen can be a valid confirmation of PCOS. Several methods and drugs are used to treat PCOS like anti-androgens, insulin sensitizers, and bariatric surgery.

Conclusion: Taken together, PCOS is a common abnormality among women and not only does affect fertility, but also influences different aspects of their life from anxiety to type two diabetes. Women, especially in third world countries should care about their lifestyle and diet, which has a vital role in the prevention of PCOS. New methods in the diagnosis of PCOS lead to declining the side effects of PCOS.