Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a disease of the female reproductive system, which results in the development of multiple cysts covering the ovaries. PCOS hinders normal hormone function and disrupts production processes. According to Esther Eisenberg, “Between 1 in 10 and 1 in 20 women of childbearing age suffer from PCOS.” Signs of the disease begin to appear during adolescence or late adulthood/childbearing age. Some researchers believe that PCOS can occur even before a woman enters adolescence. The etiology of PCOS is unknown. Many different factors can lead to the development of PCOS:1. Genetics2. Abnormal fetal development3. Excess insulin4. Low-grade inflammation Some researchers believe that the mutated genes are linked to PCOS. If your mother or sister has PCOS, there is a greater chance that you will have the same disorder. Abnormal fetal development is caused by excessive exposure to androgens, which permanently alter normal gene expression. Androgen exposure can lead to the male pattern of abdominal fat distribution, increasing the risk of insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation. Under normal circumstances, the pancreas produces insulin to turn glucose into energy. However, with PCOS, the body's white blood cells produce substances that can lead to insulin resistance. Therefore, the pancreas must create more insulin to overcome insulin resistance, causing the ovaries to increase androgen production. Eating certain foods can cause low-grade inflammation. Carol Proth explains the development of high androgen levels by "an increase in the release of LH [leutenizing hormone] in relation to the release of FSH [follicle stimulating hormone], with a res... .middle of paper ...... ovarian perforation effects may last only a short period of time and may increase the risk of scarring. ReferencesEisenberg, E., MD, MPH (Ed. (2012, July 6). PCOS) [Fact Sheet]. Retrieved February 15, 2014, from the Womenshealth.gov website: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html#aPorth, CM (2011). Disorders of the female genitourinary system. CM Porth (Author), Essentials of Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States (3rd ed., pp. 1052-1053). Wilkins.Staff, M.C. (2011, August 4). Diseases and Conditions: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Retrieved February 15, 2014, from the Mayo Clinic website: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions. /pcos/basics/definition/con-20028841