Hormonal Imbalance/Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or Stein Leventhal Syndrome is a condition involving multiple hormonal aberrations involving the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, insulin excess and resistance, androgen and prolactin excess, and sex hormone binding globulin deficiency.  These imbalances cause a conglomerate of particular clinical signs and symptoms affecting about 4-10% of women of reproductive age in the United States.  Most women suffer from all to several of the following symptoms:  bilateral polycystic ovaries, amenorrhea or other menstrual dysregulation, infertility issues, insulin resistance, central obesity, and hirsutism (abnormal body hair).

The underlying cause is hypothesized as a deficiency in dopamine that leads to the high levels of prolactin present in polycystic ovarian syndrome.  Dopamine normally inhibits the production of prolactin.  Excess prolactin in polycystic ovarian syndrome is thought to suppress normal formation of an ovarian follicle, which is where an egg and placenta are formed.  This ends up inhibiting the production of progesterone to prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.

Elevated levels of insulin can cause an increase in LH (luteinizing hormone) activity, which can lead to many of the abnormalities commonly seen in polycystic ovarian syndrome.  Insulin resistance may also be associated with the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation.  Insulin resistance is one of the reasons for the increase in fat (adipose) tissue composition in the abdomen.  

Treatments for polycystic ovarian syndrome range from weight management and insulin sensitization to hormonal therapies.  Other therapies help support the clearance of hormones out of the body, stress management, and regulating the function of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.  Some dietary and lifestyle changes can be helpful also.

The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent licensed health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including essays, research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the disease progression, and duration of time the condition has been present.