Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - Part 1 PCOS is one of the most common reproductive disorders. It involves disturbances of metabolic, endocrine and reproductive function. The syndrome increases the risk of infertility, miscarriage, and pregnancy complications; an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities such as diabetes type 2, non-alcoholic fatty liver, obesity, gall bladder and cardiovascular disease; and auto-immune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; increased risk of depression and anxiety; increased risk of osteoporosis; increased risk One of the main drivers in this syndrome is ovarian androgen excess. The higher level of androgens can cause an irregular or absent menstrual cycle. Elevated androgen levels can also cause acne, excessive hair growth, female pattern hair loss. Insulin resistance is also associated with the syndrome. Higher serum insulin levels promote excess androgen production. An increase in abdominal (central) obesity and visceral adipose tissue is noted even in lean women with PCOS compared to non-PCOS women. A state of chronic low-grade inflammation and increased inflammatory serum markers is associated with PCOS. Higher levels of androgens occur as a result, which may then trigger insulin resistance. Higher copper levels often exist which can cause increased oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation. Toxins such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bisphenol A (BPA), and pesticides.