Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that is characterized by hormonal disorders at the level of the ovaries or the central nervous system. In this syndrome, there is an increased production of male sex hormones – androgens, which are usually at low levels in women. This condition can lead to ovulation disorders – irregular or absent ovulation, menstrual cycle disorders and an increased risk of infertility. High testosterone levels lead to increased hair growth, acne and hair loss. Furthermore, these hormonal changes lead to increased fat accumulation, which predisposes to insulin resistance, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and increased cardiovascular risk. The reasons for the hormonal imbalance can be due to impaired ovarian function, but also to changes at the central level – in the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary axis in the central nervous system controls the secretion of the two key hormones for the menstrual cycle – follicle-stimulating – FSH and luteinizing – LH. Their levels change within the menstrual cycle, regulate the production of hormones by the ovaries and ensure the occurrence of ovulation. An increased level of luteinizing hormone is observed in affected patients. Under normal conditions, in order to ovulate, it is necessary to increase the levels of this hormone in the middle of the menstrual cycle. In polycystic ovary syndrome, increased ovarian secretion of testosterone is observed, which makes ovulation difficult, contributes to increased hair growth and high levels of insulin in the blood. The reasons for these changes are multifaceted – genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. Complications from this condition can be seen in the long term. With a significant increase in testosterone already at the time of puberty, acne, increased male pattern hair growth and irregular menstruation can be observed for a long time. If testosterone levels are moderately elevated, diagnosis becomes more difficult and is made more difficult, usually at the age of 25-30 years, on the occasion of reproductive disorders. In the long term, increased testosterone secretion in women leads to excessive accumulation of adipose tissue, which predisposes to insulin resistance. In addition, the condition is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by a combination of excess weight, high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, hypertension, and impaired glucose metabolism. All this is related to insulin resistance and the possibility of developing diabetes, which, in turn, is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases and even endometrial cancer. References: https://www.inserm.fr/dossier/syndrome-ovaires-polykystiques-sopk/