Ovarian Cysts Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ovarian Cysts, including details on causes, treatment, symptoms, infertility.

PCOS: an ovarian disorder that leads to dysregulation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis?

Doi SA, Towers PA, Scott CJ, Al-Shoumer KA

Division of Endocrinology, Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital and Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 64849, Shuwaikh 70459, Kuwait. sardoi@gmx.net

This review focuses on the role of the ovaries in the pathogenesis of the polycystic ovarian syndrome. In particular, the failure of follicular development, hypothalamo-pituitary dysregulation, alterations in adrenal steroid output and derangement of intermediary metabolism are discussed in the context of the ovaries. It is concluded that the central and adrenal alterations associated with PCOS are unlikely to be primary but rather are secondary to the events within the ovary.

Published 14 December 2004 in Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 118(1): 4-16.
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