Causes of PCOS?

[AnnaK]

I was told yesterday that a possible cause of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) could be excessive sugar intake in childhood. Is this a possibility? Or any other suggestions?

I have never heard that AnnaK, who told you? I have PCOS and don;t even have a particularly sweet tooth, certainly didn;t as a child.

There is supposed to be a link between PCOS and diabetes however, and I have a family history of diabetes.

Perhaps that is where the sugar comes in?

Hi AnnaK

Think you've been misinformed there with regards to the comment re sugar intake.

In 1935, when PCOS was first described as a condition, there was great debate as to what caused it. Stein and Levanthal thought it was probably due to "hormonal stimulation", possibly from the pituitary gland.

The truth is that even now, over 60 years later no-one is quite sure what causes PCOS. Increasingly there are thought to be a number of genetic predispositions (handed down through the family) that determine not just whether a woman develops PCO but also what type and how severe it is. I personally think you're genetically predisposed to getting this condition.

PCOS is a complex disorder in which a number of factors produces the polycystic ovary and trigger or exacerbate the symptoms which women with PCOS develop.

Some but not all women with PCOS have a degree of insulin resistance (this may be behind the sugar comment you received). The reasons for that are not fully understood either.

Would suggest you have a look at Verity's website which is www.verity-pcos.org.uk and read their publications on the subject for more information.

I believe whoever has told you this is confusing insulin resistance from early waening and too much sugar, with people who are predisposed to syndrome X.
People who have sydrome X (a genetic condition) which can be responsible for pcos and type 11 diabeties.

as well as other probs..