Current aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome: A literature review
December 2016
in “Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira”
TLDR 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.
The 2016 literature review on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) identified it as a common endocrine disorder affecting approximately 6.7% of women worldwide. It is diagnosed by the presence of at least two of the following criteria: irregular ovulation, clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. The review highlighted that women with PCOS are at an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. The etiology of PCOS is believed to be multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition and environmental factors, with insulin resistance playing a central role in its pathogenesis. This insulin resistance contributes to the increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular complications. The document emphasized the importance of early screening for hypertension in women with PCOS and noted that treatment is symptomatic, focusing on the management of individual symptoms due to the lack of understanding of the underlying cause. The review called for more research to elucidate the pathophysiology of PCOS and its relationship with cardiovascular risks.
View this study on scielo.br →
Cited in this study
research Clinical characteristics in Taiwanese women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Taiwanese women with PCOS experience different symptoms based on age, with younger women facing more hormone imbalances and older women dealing with more metabolic issues.
research Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
The guideline suggests using specific criteria to diagnose PCOS, recommends various treatments for its symptoms, and advises screening for related health issues.
research Emerging concepts about prenatal genesis, aberrant metabolism and treatment paradigms in polycystic ovary syndrome
PCOS may start before birth, involves metabolic issues, and can be treated with drugs like metformin and lifestyle changes.
research Ultrasonographic and laboratory markers of metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Obese women with PCOS are more likely to have fatty liver disease.
research Epidemiology, diagnosis and management of hirsutism: a consensus statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society
Experts recommend using evidence-based methods to diagnose and treat hirsutism, focusing on symptoms and underlying causes.
research Ovarian Hypertension: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is linked to higher risk of hypertension and heart disease.
research Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women with the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Consensus Statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (AE-PCOS) Society
Women with PCOS should be screened for heart disease risk and manage their health to prevent it.
research Relationship Between Androgen Levels and Blood Pressure in Young Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
High androgen levels in young women with PCOS are linked to higher blood pressure.
Related
research Caring for women with polycystic ovary syndrome
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
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 Screening for diabetes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Women with PCOS should have an oral glucose tolerance test for effective diabetes screening.