Genetics?

[Nolta]

Is it possible that PCOS can be genetic? Now that I am TTC part of me doesn’t want a DD because I'm afraid to pass PCOS to her. I really hate to see or hear anyone having to go through this. So can it be possible and if so, I am assuming like anything else it can skip generations?

[pol79princess]

My sister and I both have PCOS, and our mother is diabetic, and since issues with insulin are the root problem of PCOS, I believe it does "run" in my family. I also was told that my daughter would have 50% of having PCOS :( I am currently pregnant, and I feel guilty about quietly wishing for a boy, but you're right, I couldn't bear to see my child go through all this :( However, I keep telling myself that by the time my potential daughter is ready to have children, perhaps they will figure out how to fix this thing!

[Jenny5]

I asked my doctor the same question as why i have PCOS and he says IT IS GENETIC. He says it runs in the family or some family member has something that has passed into you and has been developed into pcos. I don't know how much of it it is true but he says it runs in the family. My mom had problems getting pregnant, also different m/c, i have had the same. So maybe for some it is genetic

[Nolta]

My grandmother had troubles with getting pregnant then having numerous miscarriages. Then my mom (which I just found out) took her about 4 years (while ttc) to get pregnant. So it makes sense why my siblings are all 4 years apart. Anyhow, neither of them was tested for PCOS because it was probably to uncommon then plus modern science has change enormously since they (grandma and mom) were both ttc. My issues are not just PCOS but also having non-full developed uterus.

Thanks for your all your help. I hope the specific gene can be identified so we can understand it better. Or just more research so we can understand it better. Thank goodness for modern science is always getting better.

[wanabb]

Hi recent research show that PCOS is a genetic mutation but the specific gene has yet to be identified.  taking that into account go back to basic biology class you have roughly a 50% chance of passing it on.  that's assuming you husband could be a carrier of the recessive gene if not the chances are more like 25%.  Male baldness seems to be a marker for the gene carried by men.  But also the research I have read in the past says it's not only genetics but also environmental.  So you can take actions to prevent it should you have a daughter, such as a low GI diet and exercise both of which slow or even prevent the development of insulin resistance which is a key component to PCOS.  My mom does not have PCOS but she must carry the recessive gene because my sister and I both have it.  Msniki is right that early puberty seems to be a sign of PCOS however not definitive I have PCOS and I started when I was 18, but my sister was 12.  good luck I hope that helps.

[msniki412]

I don't think it has anything to do with genetics. I am the only one in my family that has PCOS. PCOS does run in families (of course, almost anything does), however, there is no proof that it is hereditary. Usually, a woman with the condition will begin to experience menstrual irregularities within three to four years after her first period. Women may have other conditions, which cause irregular menstrual cycles or other symptoms, which mimic PCOS, but are not due to PCOS itself. Make sure you ask your doctor to rule out these conditions before you begin any treatment for PCOS.

Also for those who start there period at a young age are more at risk for developing PCOS. I started my first period at 11. My doctor said those who start after the age of 15 are less likely to develop PCOS. My mom had her first period at 16, so it was a shock to her when her 11 year old already started 5 years before her.

But I can say if you do have a girl, there are some things that you can help decrease her chances of having PCOS. Know when and what age the first period started...and make notes of any abnormalties. Sometimes, if you see the signs early... you can stop the symtpoms in there track and focus on fixing the body.