Levels of insulin and testosterone in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in ekiti sate, nigeria

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrine disorder, affecting approximately 5%-10% of all females and 4-6% of adolescent girls and young women. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that involves multiple organ systems within the body and is believed to be fundamentally caused by insensitivity to insulin.1 It can be diagnosed in all phases of life in girls as young as 8-9 years of age through post-menopausal females. Although PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility, the reproductive aspects of the disorder are secondary. PCOS is not limited to women of reproductive age or potential.2 Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a set of symptoms due to elevated androgens (male hormones) in women.3 Many components are involved in the pathophysiology of the syndrome, especially markers of insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. Although adult diagnostic criteria have become more refined; adolescent diagnosis remains obscure regardless of BMI.4 signs and symptoms of PCOS include irregular or no menstrual periods, heavy periods, excess body and facial hair, acne, pelvic pain, difficulty getting pregnant, and patches of thick, darker, velvety skin. Polycystic ovary syndrome causes irregular menstrual cycles, excessive body or facial hair and polycystic ovaries as its main symptoms. Polycystic means “many cysts,” and PCOS often causes clusters of small, pearl-sized cysts in the ovaries. The cysts are fluid-filled and contain immature eggs. Women with PCOS produce slightly higher amounts of male hormones known as androgens, which contribute to some of the symptoms of the condition.