Hyperandrogenism in Women: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The document from 2012 reviewed hyperandrogenism in women, with a focus on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects 4 to 8% of premenopausal women and is characterized by symptoms like hirsutism, acne, and androgenetic alopecia. It discussed the pathogenesis of hirsutism, clinical and biochemical features for therapeutic decisions, and diagnostic criteria for PCOS, emphasizing the need for criteria tailored to Korean women due to reproductive and metabolic complications associated with the syndrome. The review included an analysis of 2,950 premenopausal Korean women, finding the prevalence of PCOS consistent with other populations. It concluded that further research is necessary to establish appropriate diagnostic criteria and understand the clinical features and progression of PCOS in Korean women. Additionally, it referenced a genetic study identifying a novel SNP, rs4745427, associated with PCOS in the Korean population, indicating the potential for personalized medicine based on genetics.