Managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cognitive Behavioral Strategy

August 2009 in “ Nursing for Women's Health ”

Mary Elizabeth, Nan S. Leslie, Elizabeth A. Critch

TLDR Cognitive behavioral strategies help women with PCOS make lifestyle changes to improve their health.

The 2009 document addresses the management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), emphasizing the role of nurse practitioners and certified nurse-midwives in the care of affected women. It outlines the clinical and psychosocial consequences of PCOS, including increased risks of type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, reproductive cancers, sleep apnea, infertility, early spontaneous pregnancy loss, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and postnatal obesity in offspring. The document advocates for a cognitive behavioral strategy to assist women in making lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and weight control, which are the primary treatments for PCOS. It also notes the challenges of weight loss in women with insulin resistance and the importance of early detection and management to prevent or delay the progression of PCOS. The West Virginia National Center of Excellence in Women's Health's cognitive behavioral tool is highlighted as a means to help women adopt lifestyle changes and improve their health outcomes.

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research Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

1744 citations , November 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.

research Health Care-Related Economic Burden of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome During the Reproductive Life Span

414 citations , August 2005 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Polycystic ovary syndrome costs the U.S. over $4 billion a year, mainly from treating related health issues.

research Definitions, Prevalence, and Symptoms of Polycystic Ovaries and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

278 citations , October 2004 in “Best Practice & Research in Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology”

Polycystic ovaries are defined by having 12 or more small follicles in each ovary and are found in up to 33% of women, while Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormone disorder in women of reproductive age, potentially increasing risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases.

research The Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

249 citations , November 2003 in “Clinical endocrinology”

Insulin resistance is a key factor in polycystic ovary syndrome, but genetics may also contribute.

research Update: The Pathogenesis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

11 citations , July 2003 in “The Nurse practitioner”

New treatments for PCOS focus on managing symptoms and improving fertility.

research Developmental Origin of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Hypothesis

430 citations , July 2002 in “Journal of Endocrinology”

The hypothesis suggests that PCOS may start early in life due to genetic and environmental factors, influencing future reproductive and metabolic problems.