Metabolic Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
August 2015
in “
Postgraduate obstetrics & gynecology
”
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS insulin resistance dyslipidemia metabolic syndrome type 2 diabetes mellitus nonalcoholic fatty liver disease obstructive sleep apnea cardiovascular disease insulin-sensitizing agents metformin type 2 diabetes fatty liver disease sleep apnea heart disease insulin-sensitizing drugs
TLDR Women with PCOS often have insulin resistance, abnormal lipid levels, and a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease; lifestyle changes and medication like metformin can help manage these risks.
The document from 2015 discusses the metabolic complications associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which affects 4% to 12% of reproductive-age women. It emphasizes the high prevalence of insulin resistance (50% to 75%), dyslipidemia (70% of women with PCOS in the U.S. have at least one abnormal lipid level), and metabolic syndrome (45% of women with PCOS aged 20 to 29 years). The document also highlights the increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and potential cardiovascular disease in women with PCOS. It recommends regular screening for these metabolic risks and suggests lifestyle interventions as the primary treatment, with the possibility of using insulin-sensitizing agents like metformin for high-risk patients. The need for healthcare providers to counsel and manage these risks in PCOS patients is underscored.
