Synonym
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOS), formerly known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome.
Definition
In Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, both ovaries are affected by cysts, ovulation rarely occurs or does not occur at all, and the male sex hormone androgen is elevated in the blood (hyperandrogenaemia).
Cause
Until today it is unfortunately still not exactly clarified, what the exact causes of the Stone Level Syndrome are and/or how it comes to this disease emergence. It is suspected that genetic or environmental factors play a role. It has also been found that women with Stein-Leventhal Syndrome suffer from overweight (obesity) and thus usually also from diabetes.
The assumption is that these women are insulin resistant and thus suffer from an increase in insulin (hyperglycemia). It is assumed that this increase in insulin can lead to inhibition of the hormone sex hormone-binding globin (SHBG; transport and storage protein for sex hormones), which is produced in the liver, and to increased production of androgens in the adrenal gland and ovary. This leads to androgen elevation in the blood (hyperandrogenemia).
Whether insulin resistance is the cause or the consequence cannot yet be determined exactly. Only that it is involved. The menstrual period is very weak or does not occur at all (amenorrhea).
In addition, it can lead to increased miscarriages and even infertility (sterility). In Stein-Leventhal syndrome, the androgen levels (male sex hormone) in the blood are also very high (hyperandrogenemia). Mostly caused by increased androgen formation in the female ovaries and adrenal glands.
As a result of the increased androgen levels, a further hormone (luteinizing hormone; in short: LH) is now produced in greater quantities through stimulation of the pituitary gland (pituitary gland) and is increased. The increased LH levels in turn then lead to increased androgen production and androgen increase in the blood (hyperandrogenemia). Due to the increased male sex hormones, there is also strong hair growth, especially in the pubic area and upper lips. Some women also complain of oily skin, hair loss, acne and overweight (obesity). Ultrasound examination shows that the walls of the ovaries (ovaries) are very thick and immature follicles are still in the ovaries.
