How does PCOS cause infertility?
The overproduction of male hormones can effect the bodies ability to ovulate. During the first half of a normal menstrual cycle several follicles will develop, each one containing an egg. As the cycle continues, eventually there will be only one egg. This egg will be fertilized with a hormone known as Luteinizing Hormone or LH, causing the egg to burst from the follicle. This is when ovulation happens. The excess male hormones in PCOS or insulin resistance, will effect a woman’s ability to excrete the necessary hormones for ovulation. The body may continue to produce follicles but there is insufficient hormones to allow them to mature. They may continue to grow but none of them will be large enough for ovulation. This can cause the follicles to develop into cysts. When ovulation does not occur the body does not produce progesterone. This is what causes irregular or lack of menstruation. What are the symptoms of PCOS? The most common symptoms of PCOS are: • Irregular or absent menstruat
