Metabolic Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
August 2015
in “
Postgraduate obstetrics & gynecology
”
TLDR Women with PCOS often have metabolic issues like insulin resistance and a higher risk of diabetes and abnormal lipid levels.
The document from August 1, 2015, reviews the metabolic complications associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which affects 4% to 12% of women of reproductive age. It outlines the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria for PCOS and notes the high prevalence of insulin resistance (50% to 75%), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and dyslipidemia among these women. The review also discusses the increased risk of metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), depression/anxiety, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women with PCOS. It is mentioned that up to 40% of women with PCOS may develop IGT or DM by their fourth decade, and 70% in the U.S. have at least one abnormal lipid level. The document stresses the importance of screening and managing these metabolic risks through lifestyle modifications, metformin for high-risk patients, and possibly bariatric surgery for those with morbid obesity. However, it remains unclear whether PCOS is an independent risk factor for CVD.
