Common symptoms of PCOS include:

• 1. Irregular menstrual cycles: Women with PCOS may have infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual periods. Some may experience heavy bleeding, while others may have very light or absent periods.
• 2. Hyperandrogenism: Elevated levels of androgens can cause symptoms such as excess hair growth (hirsutism), acne, and male-pattern baldness.
• 3. Polycystic ovaries: As mentioned earlier, the ovaries may contain multiple small cysts, although this is not always the case.

Other possible symptoms and complications associated with PCOS include weight gain or difficulty losing weight, insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol levels, mood swings or depression, and fertility problems.

Cause of PCOS:

The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not fully understood. It is considered a complex condition that is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Several contributing factors are believed to play a role in the development of PCOS, including:

• 1. Hormonal Imbalance: PCOS is characterized by an imbalance in reproductive hormones, specifically increased levels of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone, and decreased levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This hormonal imbalance disrupts the normal functioning of the ovaries, leading to the formation of cysts and other symptoms.
• 2. Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body's cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin, which is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. As a result, the pancreas produces more insulin to compensate. Insulin resistance is often associated with PCOS and is believed to contribute to the excessive production of androgens by the ovaries. High insulin levels can also affect ovulation and increase the risk of weight gain and type 2 diabetes.
• 3. Genetic Factors: There appears to be a genetic component to PCOS, as it tends to run in families. Certain genes may influence hormone production and metabolism, contributing to the development of the condition. However, the specific genes involved and their interactions are not yet fully understood.
• 4. Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation in the body may be associated with PCOS. Inflammatory substances can interfere with the normal functioning of the ovaries and contribute to hormonal imbalances.
• 5. Environmental Factors: Some environmental factors may play a role in the development of PCOS or contribute to its symptoms. These factors can include exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and high levels of stress.

It's important to note that PCOS is a complex and multifactorial condition, and different factors can interact and vary in their significance from person to person. The exact interplay between these factors and how they contribute to the development of PCOS is still an area of ongoing research.