Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical Axis Hypersensitivity and Glucocorticoid Receptor Expression and Function in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Molecular mechanisms underlying pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially those related to cortisol signaling, are poorly understood. We hypothesized that modulation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression and function, may underlie possible PCOS-related impairment of feedback inhibition of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis activity and thus contribute to increased adrenal androgen production in women with PCOS.