Insulin Resistance and the Long-Term Consequences of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The 2011 document reviews the connection between insulin resistance and the long-term health consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It explains that insulin resistance is common in women with PCOS and contributes to the syndrome's symptoms, including anovulatory infertility and increased risks of gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The review suggests that lifestyle changes and insulin-sensitizing drugs like metformin can improve metabolic and hyperandrogenic disorders in PCOS, although metformin is not recommended for ovulation induction without glucose intolerance and has limited effects on weight and lipid profiles. The document also notes that while metformin has shown some benefits during pregnancy, its use is not licensed in the UK for pregnant women and should be confined to research settings. Other treatments for PCOS include androgen-suppressive and anti-androgenic drugs, with the latter requiring contraception due to teratogenic risks. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of counseling, periodic screening, and lifestyle modifications for women with PCOS to mitigate long-term health risks.