2025 Reproductive PANCE Practice Test – Complete Exam Prep

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by a specific hormonal imbalance, particularly an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH). In women with PCOS, the typical hormonal profile may show elevated levels of LH compared to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), leading to an altered hormonal balance that contributes to the clinical manifestations of the syndrome. The increased LH levels can stimulate ovarian theca cells, promoting androgen production, which often results in symptoms such as hirsutism, acne, and irregular menstrual cycles.

This imbalance in hormonal levels plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of PCOS, as the excess androgens can interfere with normal ovulation, leading to anovulation and the presence of cysts in the ovaries. Identifying and understanding the significance of increased LH in PCOS are essential for diagnosing and managing the condition effectively.

In contrast, decreased estrogen and decreased progesterone are not typical hormonal findings in PCOS and usually reflect a different hormonal profile that may be seen in other conditions. Similarly, increased thyroid hormone levels pertain to thyroid disorders and do not directly relate to the pathophysiology of PCOS. Thus, recognizing elevated LH levels is key in understanding the hormonal abnormalities