Lean Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The document from 2018 highlights that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects lean women as well as obese ones, with a prevalence of up to 20% in some ethnic groups. It outlines that PCOS is a complex condition influenced by genetic, fetal, environmental, and metabolic factors, with insulin resistance present in 50-75% of patients, regardless of weight. This insulin resistance is central to the pathogenesis of PCOS, impacting menstrual cycles and androgen production. Hyperandrogenemia, a key feature of PCOS, contributes to metabolic issues and skin problems such as hirsutism, acne, and alopecia. The document also notes that lean PCOS women may have more visceral fat and a higher waist-to-hip ratio than non-PCOS women, and that exercise can improve symptoms. It stresses the importance of recognizing and treating lean PCOS due to its association with metabolic disorders and increased cardiovascular disease risk. The document also discusses cardiovascular risks specific to lean PCOS women, including hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and dyslipidemia, as well as the potential involvement of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and vitamin D deficiency in PCOS. The conclusion emphasizes the need to view PCOS in lean women as a condition with serious health implications beyond reproductive issues.