what causes  polycyctic ovarian syndrome?
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, also known clinically as Stein-Leventhal syndrome), is an endocrine disorder that affects 5–10% of women. It occurs amongst all races and nationalities, is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, and is a leading cause of infertility. The symptoms and severity of the syndrome vary greatly between women. While the causes are unknown, insulin resistance (often secondary to obesity) is heavily correlated with PCOS.
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There does appear to be a higher miscarriage rate in women with PCOS, but the exact reason is still under investigation. According to some studies, the risk of miscarriage in women with PCOS is 45 percent or more. One possibility is that early loss is associated with elevated levels of luteinizing hormone — and women with PCOS often have elevated LH levels — but the reason why it relates to miscarriage is not understood. Another possibility is that elevated levels of insulin or glucose may impede implantation or cause problems with the embryonic development. There is a clear association between uncontrolled blood sugar and pregnancy loss, but the issue of insulin resistance and elevated insulin levels is relatively new and in need of further study. There is a possibility that insulin resistance reduces egg quality. That leads to another possibility — that late ovulation (after cycle day 16) may be associated with poor follicle development and decreased egg quality. \n\nConception is frequently possible with proper surgical or medical treatments. Following conception, pregnancy is usually uneventful.\n\nThe last link below leads to an article entitled, Conception Rate in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Resistant to Clomiphene Citrate) With Different Treatment Methods.
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It is possible that you are suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome as infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding are some of the most noticable symptoms.
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Clomid can sometimes cause headaches, and many small ovarian cysts.
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Sounds like you have insulin resistance, which is the underlying cause of PCOS. Although, some women "pass" the test, they still seem to respond positively to treating the insulin resistance. The best way to treat this is with an insulin sensitizing drug, such as metformin, combined with a good diet and exercise. I highly recommend visiting www.ivillage.com. There is a great message board there where you can ask all your PCOS questions.
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Your condition sounds like hirsutism. Hirsutism is caused by hyperandrogenic hormone levels. Usually your testosterone level will be elevated. You can see a gynecologist if you have other conditions like irregular menses, acne, weight gain, etc. which is usually classified as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCO or PCOS) If you only have the hair growth condition, than maybe your doctor will just send you to an endocrinologist.\n\nDiane 35 works well for people looking to regulate their menstrual cycles, minimize their acne and lower their androgen levels due to PCOS. It will also work as contraception but is usually only indicated to treat the above conditions. Check with your doctor and see what is best recommended for you. \n\nGood luck!
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It has not been research enough yet but it can be hereditary. I'm having surgery this Friday to find out how severe is my endometriosis. Drinking coffee can make it worse.\n\n"As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Endometriosis may be found in the risk factors for Endometriosis, medications that may cause Endometriosis, contagiousness for Endometriosis, genetics of Endometriosis, and underlying causes of Endometriosis."
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I too have PCOS. I've talked to my OBGYN and she said that Im very fertile. They put me on birth control pills which really seemed to help
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It can be a lot of things ranging from simply ovulating to things more severe like endometriosis(cyst on the ovaries) or other illness.  It would be best to see a doctor to determine what.
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You might want to ask your doctor about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. My mother has it; common symptoms are extreme irregularities in periods, weight gain, hair on the face and cystic acne. Hope that helps~
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Do you rub your chin or sit with your hand in front of your mouth a lot? It could be just that you're sweating a lot around that area and that is why the outbreaks of spot.\n\nIf there are other symptoms such as excess growth of facial hair, it could be an indicator of polycystic ovaries. If you're worried, get it checked out by your doctor.
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There is no cure for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, medications used depends on the symptooms you are having.\n\nHere is a website that explains more:\n\nhttp://www.4woman.gov/faq/pcos.htm
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Try not to worry too much, but it's good that you're seeing the doctor. Harmless ovarian cysts are very common and can cause strange menses, but often a short or otherwise abnormal mense is seemingly caused by nothing at all.
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Look into PCOS, poly cystic ovarian syndrome. It is ONE reason. Your insulin and blood sugar are out of wack and your eggs dont grow, making periods irregular and getting pregnant harder. If you have good medical insurance have your doctor refer you to a fertility specialist. They can narrow down what the problem is. It might even be your man!
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It depends on what symptoms you have.  It sounds like you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rather than simply polycystic ovaries.  The symptoms of PCOS are generally caused by two interconnected problems: insulin resistance and overabundance of androgens.\n\nMost women with PCOS are insulin resistant.  In fact, insulin resistance is thought to be the most common cause of PCOS.  Insulin resistance is a state in which the cells of the body do not respond to insulin as efficiently as they should, so the pancreas produces more and more insulin in an effort to keep blood glucose levels within a normal range.  This problem with glucose metabolism and insulin resistance is often what causes weight gain, difficulty losing weight, dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans, or AN), high lipid levels, and skin tags--problems often associated with PCOS.\n\nHigh levels of insulin in the body also affect the ovaries.  It's thought that this causes the ovaries to produce too many androgens (male hormones).  That's where you get the rest of the most common PCOS symptoms: acne, thinning hair, unwanted body hair growth, irregular or no periods, anovulation.\n\nFor many women, metformin is very helpful in treating PCOS.  Metformin is an insulin-regulating drug.  By treating the high levels of insulin found in many PCOS patients, many symptoms can be alleviated.  Some PCOS patients who take metformin even begin ovulating regularly, although metformin is not a fertility drug.\n\nBirth control pills are another common treatment for PCOS.  If the woman does not want to get pregnant, birth control pills are a good way to bring about regular periods, and in some women they can help with acne, hair problems, and other symptoms.\n\nFor severe body hair growth, some women with PCOS take the drug spironolactone.  Some women also need antidepressants, as PCOS can be linked to depression and anxiety.\n\nLastly, but most importantly, diet and exercise cannot be overlooked.  Weight loss is very important for women with PCOS, although for those with insulin resistance it may be difficult.  Because of the strong connection to insulin problems, PCOS patients often are advised to follow a low-carb diet.  It is important to eat less fat and cholesterol as well, because PCOS can be linked to high lipid levels.  \n\nI was diagnosed with PCOS three years ago.  I had only 3-4 periods a year, acne, hair growth, thinning hair, AN, and I was overweight.  I'm a pretty typical case with all of the classic symptoms.  Since then, I've also been diagnosed with insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and high triglycerides.  I'm not trying to get pregnant, I just want to be healthier.  I take metformin, Crestor, and a birth control pill.  I follow a low fat, very low cholesterol, high fiber, vegetarian diet and I try to exercise every day.
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I have PCOS too. The underlying cause of PCOS is insulin resistance. It is most important to treat this. The best way is a low carb diet, exercise, and adding an insulin sensitizing drug, such as metformin (1500-2550mg per day). Birth control pills are not really good for PCOS. It masks the symptoms of PCOS without really helping anything. PCOS symptoms tend to get worse after going off birth control pills. I recommend seeing a reproductive endocrinologist. Also, visit http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhpcos?redirCnt=1. It's a great message board where you can ask all of your PCOS questions. Think hard about going on any birth control pill to treat PCOS. Also, if you have PCOS you are at higher risk of certain things that are also negative side effects of any birth control pill (blood clots, liver issues). \n\nFrom http://pcos.insulitelabs.com/PCOS-Guidelines.php  "Some doctors will prescribe birth control pills to assist in regulating or restoring irregular or absent periods. But there is growing controversy over using pills because it is now thought they may actually worsen Insulin Resistance. While it is true that introducing the female hormone can counteract some of the effects of over-active testosterone production, the short-term benefits of restoring a period may be offset by the long-term effects of worsening the underlying root cause of the condition. Think long and hard before you begin taking birth control pills if you have PCOS"
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Funny thing I heard was acupuncture.  I heard it does wonders.  2 friends of mine including me have PCOS and both of them have been trying for months and went and got acupuncture and walla---pregnant.  who knows...I go to a specialist that treats PCOS.  I would recommend seeing and endocrinologist.