20 PCOS TERMINOLOGIES AND THEIR MEANINGS




POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS)

Meaning: A common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries.

 

ANDROGENS 

Meaning: Male hormones present in both men and women, such as testosterone. Elevated levels of androgens in women with PCOS can lead to symptoms like acne, excess hair growth, and male-pattern baldness.


OVARIAN CYSTS 

Meaning: Fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries. In PCOS, multiple small cysts may form, interfering with normal ovulation and menstrual cycles.


 INSULIN RESISTANCE 

Meaning: A condition where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and increased insulin production. This is commonly associated with PCOS and can contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues.


HYPERANDROGENISM 

Meaning: Elevated levels of androgens in the body, causing symptoms such as excessive hair growth (hirsutism), acne, and scalp hair thinning.


 HIRSUTISM 

Meaning: Excessive hair growth in areas typically associated with male-pattern hair distribution, such as the face, chest, and back. It is a common symptom of elevated androgen levels in PCOS.

 

ANOVULATION 

Meaning: The absence of ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary). In PCOS, anovulation can lead to irregular or absent menstrual periods and difficulty conceiving.


 IRREGULAR MENSTRUAL CYCLES 

Meaning: Menstrual cycles that are inconsistent in frequency or duration. Women with PCOS often experience irregular periods due to hormonal imbalances and anovulation.


METABOLIC SYNDROME 

Meaning: A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It includes high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Women with PCOS are at higher risk for metabolic syndrome.


DYSLIPIDEMIA 

Meaning: Abnormal levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, such as high cholesterol or triglycerides. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and is often seen in women with PCOS.


ENDOMETRIAL HYPERPLASIA 

Meaning: Thickening of the uterine lining due to prolonged exposure to estrogen without the balancing effect of progesterone. This condition is more common in women with PCOS who have irregular periods.


METFORMIN 

Meaning: A medication commonly used to manage insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It is also prescribed to women with PCOS to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate menstrual cycles.


 LUTEINISING HORMONE (LH)

Meaning: A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the menstrual cycle and ovulation. In PCOS, LH levels are often elevated, contributing to hormonal imbalances.


FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH)

Meaning: A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles. In PCOS, FSH levels may be normal or slightly elevated, but the balance with LH is often disrupted.


ULTRASONOGRAPHY 

Meaning: An imaging technique using sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. It is commonly used to visualize ovarian cysts and assess the number and size of follicles in PCOS diagnosis.


AROMATASE INHIBITORS 

Meaning: Medications that block the conversion of androgens to estrogen in the body. They may be used in PCOS treatment to manage symptoms like irregular periods and ovarian cysts.


ANTI-MULLERIAN HORMONE (AMH)

Meaning: A hormone produced by the ovaries that serves as a marker of ovarian reserve. Elevated AMH levels can indicate the presence of polycystic ovaries.


PCOS-RELATED INFERTILITY 

Meaning: Difficulty conceiving a child due to hormonal imbalances and anovulation associated with PCOS. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, medications, or assisted reproductive technologies.


HOMA-IR (HOMEOSTASIS MODEL ASSESSMENT OF INSULIN RESISTANCE)

Meaning: A method used to estimate insulin resistance based on fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. It is often used in research and clinical settings to assess insulin sensitivity in individuals with PCOS.


INFLAMMATION 

Meaning: A biological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Chronic low-grade inflammation is common in PCOS and can contribute to insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, and other symptoms. Inflammatory markers in PCOS may include elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and other pro-inflammatory cytokines.


Conclusion


Understanding these terms is essential for managing PCOS effectively. Each term relates to different aspects of the condition and its impact on health, helping individuals and healthcare providers communicate and make informed decisions about treatment and management.

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