Two theories about the cause of PCOS

Currently, there are two theories about the cause of PCOS: non-genetic theory and genetic theory.

Non-genetic theories of PCOS

Studies have shown that the hormonal environment in the uterus during pregnancy affects the endocrine status of adult individuals, and exposure to high concentrations of androgens during pregnancy, such as mothers with a history of PCOS, maternal congenital adrenal hyperplasia and malcontrol of high androgen levels, may lead to ovulatory dysfunction after puberty.

Genetic Theory of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The main basis of this theory is that PCOS is a familial social phenomenon. Familial ovulation disorders and changes in PCOS function suggest that PCOS has a genetic basis. Hyperandrogenism and/or hyperinsulinemia may be the genetic characteristics of the same disease in family members with PCOS. The incidence of hyperinsulinemia in women and premature hair loss in men increases in family members with sparse ovulation, hyperandrogenism and PCOS. Cytogenetic studies have shown that PCOS may be X-linked recessive, autosomal dominant or polygenic. Whole genome scanning has found a large number of related genes in most patients with PCOS, such as candidate genes for the synthesis and related functions of steroid hormones, androgen synthesis-related regulatory genes, insulin synthesis-related genes, carbohydrate metabolism and energy balance candidate genes, gonadotropin action and regulation candidate genes, adipose tissue-related genes and chronic inflammation-related genes.

In summary, the etiology research of PCOS cannot prove that the disease is caused by a certain gene site or a certain gene mutation. It may be caused by the action of certain genes under the influence of specific environmental factors.