Luteinizing Hormone Levels as a Biological Mechanism for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a pervasive endocrine condition that impacts a vast number of women in their reproductive years. PCOS is manifested by a range of symptoms, including high levels of androgens, abnormal menstrual cycles, and ovarian cysts. While the exact etiology of PCOS remains unclear, recent research has highlighted the role of luteinizing hormone (LH) dysregulation as a key biological mechanism underlying the condition. Elevated LH levels are commonly observed in women with PCOS, disrupting the balance between LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion. This LH imbalance leads to impaired ovarian function, contributing to anovulation, androgen excess, and the formation of cystic follicles. Moreover, elevated LH levels can stimulate excessive androgen production from the theca cells of the ovaries, exacerbating the symptoms of hirsutism and acne. This paper analyzes scholarly research articles and critically reviews LH's physiological role in ovarian function and its dysregulation in PCOS, emphasizing how LH hypersecretion contributes to the syndrome's pathophysiology.
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