student must provide to their learning facilitator a brief review of the literature on their chosen topic. (What are the determinants of Poly-cystic disorder among South Asian women?)The literature...

Title Page
Title- Determinants of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in South Asian Women
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Table of Content
Table of Contents
Title Page    1
Table of Content    2
Abstract    3
Introduction    4
The Background of the study    4
The Significance of the study    5
Statement of the Problem    5
Hypothesis    5
Definitions of Terms    5
Method Used    6
Overview of PCOs in South Asian women    6
What are PCOs?    7
Theories guiding research    9
Review of the Literature    10
Treatment of PCOS in South Asian women in literature    13
Recommended treatment    14
Gaps in literature    15
Discussion and Conclusion    16
References    18
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition that affects the hormonal secretion of women from their early teens to their late fifties, that is, their child-bearing age. In this condition, women have increased level of androgen hormones and their ovaries become incapable of ovulation. Tiny cysts grow on the ovaries in the form of follicles. Studies have been conducted to determine the determinants of PCOS. These determinants have been classified using genetic and nongenetic theories. In South Asian women, the determinants of PCOS have been found to be both hereditary, genetic, environmental and biological.
Further studies can be conducted in order to determine the exact determinants of PCOS in South Asian women and their implications for treatment.
Introduction
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone secretion glands impacting their hormone levels. As a result, women with PCOS end up producing more than needed amounts of male hormones. This imbalance results in them skipping menstrual periods and creating issues in getting pregnant. PCOS also cause abnormal hair growth in various areas of the body, and male pattern baldness. It can also act as a contributing factor to other to long-term health problems like heart disease and diabetes (Azziz, 2016).
The exact cause of PCOS remains unknown even today (Dumesic et al, 2015). Some researchers attribute it to genetics while others hold environmental factors responsible. This literature review seeks to find the main determinants of PCOS in women in South Asia. An extensive search has been performed to understand this question in order to provide better health outcomes for women of South Asian descent.
The Background of the study
Studies show that 5 to 15 percent of women in the world are diagnosed with PCOS (Azziz, 2016). This number is especially high among certain women, like the South Asian women. South Asian women are said to have several factors that contribute to PCOS including lifestyle and diet (Allahbadia & Merchant, 2008). However, there is a gap in that real causes of PCOS among South Asian woman remain unknown. Most conclusions are drawn based on general findings and research and there needs to be a wider study to notice PCOS and their impact on a women’s life.
The Significance of the study
This study is designed to assess the most significant literature related to PCOS. The study will provide a definite guideline on the determinants of PCOS in South Asian women. It will help in creating an outline of determinants to watch out for, as well as find the dominant causative factor for PCOS in this area. This research will help in finding treatment and preventive measures for PCOS in South Asian women where the condition is on the rise.
Statement of the Problem
Poly-cystic disorder is prevalent at a high rate among women in South Asia. There are several determinants of PCOS known clinically. In order to contain and remedy PCOS in South Asian women, it is important to understand which of these are specific to them.
Research Question
What are the determinants of Poly-cystic ovarian syndrome disorder among South Asian women?
Hypothesis
Obesity and Diabetes along with Genetic factors are the main determinants of PCOS in South Asian women.
Definitions of Terms
PCOS- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
FSH- Follicle-stimulating hormone
LH- luteinizing hormone
Cysts- It refers to blisters-like growth on top of the ovaries. Several cysts usually occur together. They are actually little eggs that haven’t matured.
Estrogen and progesterone- Female hormones
BMI- Body Mass Index
Hyperandrogenaemia- High level of androgens in women
Hirsutism- Excess hair growth on body
Hyperlipidaemia- Elevated levels of lipids
Endometrial pathology- Abnormal endometrium
Method Used
The method used in this study was an online research of the most recent articles relevant to the topic. The main key words were inserted in the Google Scholar search bar with the search criteria limited to the last 20 years of research. The most relevant research was then selected and reviewed for best result.
The main keywords used were “Determinants of PCOS in South Asian Women”, “Determinants of PCOS”, “Theories of PCO research”, “Genetic causes of PCOS” and “Environmental causes of PCOS”.
After careful investigation and selection, the most relevant, peer-reviewed research articles were chosen for the literature review.
Overview of PCOs in South Asian women
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS are a relatively common endocrinal system disorder in women of the reproductive age. In India, 1 in every 10 women is said to be inflicted with this disorder and out of these 10 women, 6 would be teenagers. PCOS have been an object of study ever since they were discovered in 1935. However, the lack of awareness about such a common condition is prevalent even today. A simple fact, that PCOS remain undetected for many years is proof of this fact (Kudesia, Illions & Lieman, 2013).
A recent study shows that about 20-25 per cent of women in India of the childbearing age suffer from PCOS. The study relates that “While 60 per cent of women with PCOS are obese, 35-50 per cent have a fatty liver. About 70 per cent have insulin resistance, 60-70 per cent have high level of androgen and 40-60 per cent have glucose intolerance”
In spite of its common occu
ence, several aspects of the disorder remain a mystery. The symptoms and severity of this condition vary greatly from woman to woman. Studies have shown that women with PCOS often have higher levels of insulin than normal. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps to convert sugar (glucose) into energy in the body cells.
Very high levels of insulin may result in ovaries producing more androgens, like testosterone. People have higher levels of Insulin if they have a higher BMI. Insulin resistance makes weight loss hard and is a common issue in women with PCOS (Dumesic et al, 2015).
What are PCOs?
PCOS is a hormonal health problem that impacts women in their childbearing years that is from ages 15 to 44 year of age. Studies show that nearly 26.7 percent of women of this group have PCOS. In spite of the commonality of this condition, it remains undetected (March et al, 2010). PCOS affect a woman’s ovaries. This is because these organs are responsible for release of hormones estrogen and progesterone responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. Ovaries are also responsible for production of male hormones called androgens.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are incharge for ovulation. While FSH stimulates the release of a follicle, LH is responsible for triggering the ovary to release a mature egg (Dumesic et al, 2015).
PCOS is characterized by three main features. These are, the appearance of cysts in ovaries, increased levels of androgens and i
egular periods. Cysts that grow on ovaries are follicles of immature eggs that can never trigger an ovulation. In the absence of ovulation, all hormones produced by the ovaries is altered including estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH. Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease while androgen levels increase (Dumesic et al, 2015).
Causes of PCOS haven’t been determined for certain. Studies show that genes, insulin resistance, and inflammation are the dominant causes for increased androgen production. It has been found that PCOS are influenced by genetics and occur in families. Studies have also determined that up to 70 percent of women with PCOS show insulin resistance. Increased insulin in the body triggers the production of male hormones. Another cause of insulin resistance is obesity. Obesity and insulin are also known causes of type 2 diabetes. Studies in women with PCOS has also shown that they have more inflammation in their body compared to those who don’t have PCOs. Inflammation has...