Contemporary Medical Therapy for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The document from 2006 discusses Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a complex endocrine disorder with significant long-term metabolic and cardiovascular implications. It is diagnosed based on two of three criteria: chronic oligoovulation or anovulation, evidence of hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Traditional treatments for PCOS include oral contraceptives, cyclic progestins, ovulation induction agents, and anti-androgenic medications such as aldosterone antagonists, 5α-reductase antagonists, and follicle ornithine decarboxylase inhibitors. Additionally, newer treatments focus on addressing insulin resistance with medications like metformin and thiazolidinediones (rosiglitazone and pioglitazone), as well as using a CYP19 aromatase inhibitor (letrozole) and statins to potentially reduce testosterone levels. These management strategies aim to control symptoms by targeting both glucose-insulin abnormalities and androgen excess.