What causes PCOS? While researchers are not certain of the exact
cause of PCOS, it is known that an imbalance of the endocrine
system is responsible for many of the changes associated with
PCOS. However, it is still not known exactly what causes those
changes. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis Hormones are
proteins produced by a structure within the body that causes a
change within a cell or organ. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-
Ovarian (HPO) axis is a system of hormonal control within the
body. The hypothalamus is a gland within the brain that, when
stimulated, produces a hormone, known as Gonadotropin-Releasing
Hormone or GnRH. GnRH travels to the pituitary gland, another
small structure in the brain. The pituitary gland produces a
variety of other hormones which regulate and maintain many body
functions. Of significance to PCOS, the pituitary produces FSH,
or Follicle Stimulating Hormone, and LH, or Lutenizing Hormone.
LH travels to the ovary where it stimulates the production of
androgens. It has been h