Hyperandrogenism and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

The document from 2007 reviews the prevalence and implications of hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). It reports that PCOS is common in women with DM1, with prevalence rates ranging from 12-18% to 40.5%, depending on the diagnostic criteria used. Hyperandrogenic symptoms such as mild hirsutism are found in 30% of these women, biochemical hyperandrogenism in 20%, menstrual abnormalities in 20%, and polycystic ovarian morphology in 50%. The document suggests that hyperandrogenism in DM1 women is often undiagnosed and recommends that physicians should routinely assess for hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, and biochemical hyperandrogenism. It also notes that insulin resistance, weight gain, and abnormalities in the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor axis may contribute to the development of hyperandrogenism in DM1 women. The document emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment, including lifestyle changes and pharmacological therapy such as metformin, but acknowledges that specific studies on the treatment of hyperandrogenism in diabetic patients are lacking.