Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent endocrine and metabolic disorder and the most common cause of infertility occurring in 5–10% of women of reproductive age. The characteristic endocrine abnormalities of PCOS involve hypersecretion of androgens and LH (as a consequence of increased GnRH frequency). Although PCOS signs generally become obvious at puberty, clinical and experimental evidence suggests an intrauterine origin for the syndrome. On the oth...

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by excessive androgen secretion and women with PCOS are at risk of developing anxiety disorders. Maternal testosterone levels in humans have been shown to affect brain development and to be correlated to mental function. During pregnancy, women with PCOS display high circulating androgen levels that may affect the fetus and increase the risk of mood disorders in offspring. This study investigated whether maternal androgen exces...