PCOS and Lesbians

[big916]

Are there any new medical findings on why polycystic ovarian syndrome is higher among lesbians? My medical terminology teacher said that her sister was studying why this is the case. She gave a link with the numbers, but I no longer have it. That classes was a couple years ago.

[Brandye]

There are many ongoing studies but nothing definitive that I am aware of. Then, I am not following the field of endocrinology on a daily basis. PCOS is among the most common endocrine problems among women - about ten to fifteen percent of fecund women fall into this diagnosis. Inability to conceive is the leading symptom. It is known that women with PCOS often have imbalances in their own hormones, often with high testosterone levels.

There is the possibility, being studied, that the hormone imbalances found with PCOS are contributors to lesbians sexual orientation. "Contributors," not causes. So your question could be worded inside out, "Why do lesbians have higher levels of PCOS?" Subtle but we must be careful in hinting at cause and effect. We do know that among the 10-15% of all women with PCOS symptoms, lesbians are over-represented significantly. My guess is that there are many centres for endocrinology that are addressing this. Let me look a bit.