Caring for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

February 2017 in “ The Nurse Practitioner ”

Katherine Pereira, Kathryn Evans Kreider

polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS hyperandrogenism anovulation anti-Müllerian hormone AMH metformin liraglutide clomiphene letrozole hormonal therapies lifestyle interventions

TLDR Treating PCOS is complex, involving medication like metformin and lifestyle changes, and requires attention to mental health due to high depression and anxiety rates.

The 2017 document outlines the complexity of diagnosing and managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects 6% to 15% of reproductive-age women and is characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and a range of associated health conditions. It highlights the genetic and environmental factors contributing to PCOS, the varying clinical presentations, and the use of different diagnostic criteria, including the potential role of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Treatment options discussed include metformin, particularly for its benefits in restoring menstrual regularity and ovulatory frequency, and a study of 36 obese women with PCOS showed significant weight loss with a combination of liraglutide and metformin. Other treatments like clomiphene and letrozole are effective for ovulation induction, with letrozole having a higher live birth rate. Hormonal therapies and lifestyle interventions are recommended for managing symptoms and reducing health risks, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The document also stresses the importance of regular psychological screening due to the high prevalence of depression and anxiety in women with PCOS.

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research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review for Dermatologists

60 citations , November 2014 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Dermatologists play a key role in treating skin symptoms of PCOS like dark patches, excess hair, acne, and hair loss.

research Short-Term Combined Treatment With Liraglutide and Metformin Leads to Significant Weight Loss in Obese Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Previous Poor Response to Metformin

116 citations , March 2014 in “European journal of endocrinology”

Combining liraglutide and metformin helps obese women with PCOS who didn't lose weight on metformin alone to lose more weight.

research The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Normal Population According to the Rotterdam Criteria Versus Revised Criteria Including Anti-Mullerian Hormone

221 citations , January 2014 in “Human Reproduction”

Adding anti-Müllerian hormone to PCOS criteria lowers the number of women diagnosed.

research Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

1265 citations , December 2013 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

The guideline suggests using specific criteria to diagnose PCOS, recommends various treatments for its symptoms, and advises screening for related health issues.

research Prevalence of Hepatic Steatosis in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

45 citations , January 2013 in “Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences”

Women with PCOS are more likely to have fatty liver disease, especially if they have metabolic problems.

research Consensus on Women's Health Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Amsterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored 3rd PCOS Consensus Workshop Group

1514 citations , January 2012 in “Fertility and sterility”

Experts agree that PCOS affects women's health in complex ways, but more research is needed to understand and treat it effectively.

research Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Hirsutism: A Consensus Statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society

378 citations , November 2011 in “Human reproduction update”

Experts recommend using evidence-based methods to diagnose and treat hirsutism, focusing on symptoms and underlying causes.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Pathogenesis, and Diagnosis

991 citations , January 2011 in “Nature Reviews Endocrinology”

The document concludes that PCOS is a complex disorder caused by both genetic and environmental factors, affecting women's health in various ways, and requires personalized treatment.

research Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Consensus Statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society

815 citations , May 2010 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

Women with PCOS should be screened for heart disease risk and manage their health to prevent it.

research Prevalence of Hyperandrogenemia in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosed by the National Institutes of Health 1990 Criteria

118 citations , April 2010 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Most women with PCOS have high levels of male hormones, and free testosterone is the best marker for this.

research Visually Scoring Hirsutism

288 citations , June 2009 in “Human reproduction update”

The modified Ferriman-Gallwey method is a useful tool for diagnosing hirsutism.

research The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Criteria for the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Complete Task Force Report

1540 citations , February 2009 in “Fertility and Sterility”

The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.

research Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

1744 citations , November 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

4809 citations , January 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility”

The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and highlighted increased risks of diabetes and heart disease for those affected.

4 / 4 results

research Caring for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

1 citations , February 2017 in “The Nurse Practitioner”

Treating PCOS is complex, involving medication like metformin and lifestyle changes, and requires attention to mental health due to high depression and anxiety rates.

research Current Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Literature Review

15 citations , December 2016 in “Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira”

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal disorder in women, linked to increased risk of metabolic and heart diseases, and needs more research for better understanding and treatment.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Acne

10 citations , November 2010 in “Skin therapy letter”

Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.

research Screening for Diabetes in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

3 citations , March 2007 in “Canadian Medical Association Journal”

Women with PCOS should have an oral glucose tolerance test for effective diabetes screening.