What Causes PCOS? 7 Possible Triggers You Need to Know

If you are a woman who has PCOS or suspect having it, you may wonder what causes PCOS in females.

In this blog, we will tell you why does PCOS happens and will explain the causes of PCOS, such as hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, genetics, and environmental factors, so that you will be able to diagnose it as early as possible and get the right treatment.

What Causes PCOS? 7 Possible Triggers You Need to Know

PCOS is a lifestyle condition that has become increasingly common among today’s women due to their busy lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits. Listed below are seven of the common causes of PCOS that you should look for:

1. Hormonal Imbalance in PCOS

Hormonal imbalance and PCOS are closely connected. In general, a normal ovary releases one egg each month, which is monitored and controlled by LH(Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone).

But during PCOS LH levels rise above the FSH levels, leading to improper ovulation and increasing production of the androgen hormone, which is a male hormone, resulting in excess hair growth on the face and underarms and growing more acne.

In India, where women often hesitate to discuss body hair or period irregularities due to cultural taboos, these early warning signs are sometimes ignored, leading to late diagnosis.

2. Insulin Resistance and Blood Sugar Issues

Insulin resistance can lead to PCOS and vice versa. Insulin is the hormone that ensures that our body uses sugar from the food in the form of energy, but due to PCOS, many women are facing insulin resistance, making their bodies unable to respond well to insulin, which results in a rise in blood sugar levels.

This high insulin level signals the ovaries to produce more androgens, worsening PCOS symptoms.

Now think about our daily Indian diet: white rice, parathas, pakoras, sweets during every festival, late-night Maggi sessions. When paired with little exercise, this lifestyle fuels insulin resistance.

Read More: Foods that Boost Libido in Women

3. Genetics and Family History

If your mother, sister, or aunt has PCOS then the chances are very high of you developing it. Well, there is not much research supporting this fact, but that does not mean it cannot happen; actually, genetics can make you more vulnerable to PCOS.

Combine that with environmental and lifestyle factors (like stress, poor diet, or lack of exercise), and the chances increase.

Many Indian families see irregular periods as “normal” if it runs in the family, but it’s important to recognize the genetic link and seek medical advice early.

4. Stress and Cortisol Overload

Can stress cause PCOS? This is a frequently asked question by many individuals. Stress is one of the biggest factors that leads to PCOS, It may not be able to directly cause PCOS on its own, but it can worsen the condition.

Chronic stress increases the level of the cortisol hormone, also known as the stress hormone, which affects not only your mental health but also worsens insulin resistance and increases the production of androgens.

Read More: Is Green Tea Good For Polycystic Ovaries?

5. Unhealthy Lifestyle and Diet Habits

We all love late-night binge-watching, midnight snacking, and lazy Sunday mornings, but all these affect our health in the worst way possible; not only these, but skipping breakfast and munching on fried and sugary snacks can also put ourselves at risk of developing PCOS by slowing our metabolism, increasing weight, and enhancing insulin resistance.

The good news? Studies show that even a 5–10% weight loss (through balanced diet and exercise) can significantly improve symptoms and restore ovulation in women with PCOS.

6. Environmental and Chemical Exposure

Our environment is full of chemicals and harmful particles nowadays, and one such particle is endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are mainly found in plastics, pesticides, cosmetics, and polluted air. Doctors are still studying its effects on a woman’s body. But the earlier research shows that these chemicals, when inside the body, behave like hormones and disrupt the endocrine system.

While research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that these exposures may contribute to why PCOS happens in more urban women compared to rural ones.

7. Weight and Metabolic Health

If you are obese, the chances are very high that you will develop PCOS, but that does not guarantee that you will not have PCOS if you are slim.

Being overweight can worsen insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance. On the other hand, some women with PCOS struggle to gain weight but still show all the classic symptoms due to genetic and hormonal triggers.

So, it does not matter if you are slim or not; you will develop PCOS unless you are healthy and follow a healthy lifestyle.

What You Can Do If You Suspect PCOS

Now, as we know what causes polycystic ovary syndrome, we should also be aware of what can be done in case we see symptoms of PCOS. So, let’s see what you can do to prevent these symptoms or to diagnose this condition:

• Immediately consult with a health expert if you notice any signs of this medical condition, such as sudden weight gain, acne, excess facial hair, or missed cycles.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet including vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains also avoid eating excess sugar.
• Even 30 minutes of walking, yoga, or dance can help improve insulin sensitivity.
• Improve your sleep schedule. Avoid late-night binge-watching or chatting.
• Try meditation, journaling, or simply unplugging from social media.

Read More: Symptoms of PCOS

Final Thoughts

PCOS is a mix of many underlying factors, including lifestyle and environmental factors. Although treating PCOS completely is a tough nut to crack a knowing the symptoms early and a little extra care can help manage it with ease.

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