Back to Search
Start Over
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Brain Disorder Characterized by Eating Problems Originating during Puberty and Adolescence.
- Source :
-
International journal of molecular sciences [Int J Mol Sci] 2020 Nov 03; Vol. 21 (21). Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Nov 03. - Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine condition associated with reproductive and psychiatric disorders, and with obesity. Eating disorders, such as bulimia and recurrent dieting, are also linked to PCOS. They can lead to the epigenetic dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, thereby impacting on ovarian folliculogenesis. We postulate that PCOS is induced by psychological distress and episodes of overeating and/or dieting during puberty and adolescence, when body dissatisfaction and emotional distress are often present. We propose that upregulated activation of the central HPG axis during this period can be epigenetically altered by psychological stressors and by bulimia/recurrent dieting, which are common during adolescence and which can lead to PCOS. This hypothesis is based on events that occur during a largely neglected stage of female reproductive development. To date, most research into the origins of PCOS has focused on the prenatal induction of this disorder, particularly in utero androgenization and the role of anti-Müllerian hormone. Establishing causality in our peripubertal model requires prospective cohort studies from infancy. Mechanistic studies should consider the role of the gut microbiota in addition to the epigenetic regulation of (neuro) hormones. Finally, clinicians should consider the importance of underlying chronic psychological distress and eating disorders in PCOS.
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Age of Onset
Brain Diseases epidemiology
Brain Diseases metabolism
Child
Feeding and Eating Disorders epidemiology
Female
Humans
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome epidemiology
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome metabolism
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome psychology
Psychology, Adolescent
Risk Factors
Adolescent Behavior physiology
Brain Diseases complications
Feeding and Eating Disorders etiology
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome etiology
Puberty physiology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1422-0067
- Volume :
- 21
- Issue :
- 21
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- International journal of molecular sciences
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 33153014
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21218211