The Metabolic Effects of Drugs Used for the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

September 2013 in “ Journal of the Turkish-German Gynecological Association ”

Melia Karaköse, Erman Çakal, Kubilay Ertan, Tuncay Delibaşı

TLDR Drugs for PCOS can affect metabolism, so understanding their effects is important for managing health risks.

This review evaluated the effects of various drugs on metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder characterized by menstrual disorders, hyperandrogenism, and specific ultrasonographic features. PCOS was known to negatively impact carbohydrate metabolism, cardiovascular disease parameters, and lipid profiles. The treatment approach was primarily determined by the patient's main complaint, and numerous medications had been used over the years. Understanding the metabolic effects of these drugs was crucial for managing the metabolic risk profile in women with PCOS.

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research Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

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research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

4809 citations , January 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility”

The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and highlighted increased risks of diabetes and heart disease for those affected.

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Insulin resistance contributes to hormone imbalances in many women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

research Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Unselected Black and White Women of the Southeastern United States: A Prospective Study

378 citations , September 1998 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

PCOS affects about 4% of women in the southeastern U.S. equally across Black and White populations.

research Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Unselected Black and White Women of the Southeastern United States: A Prospective Study

633 citations , September 1998 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

PCOS affects a similar percentage of Black and White women in the Southeastern United States.

research Comparison of Flutamide and Spironolactone in the Treatment of Hirsutism: A Randomized Controlled Trial

165 citations , February 1994 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Flutamide is more effective and has fewer side effects than spironolactone for treating hirsutism.

research Androgen Metabolism in Hirsute Patients Treated with Cyproterone Acetate

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Cyproterone acetate effectively reduced hair growth in hirsute patients by lowering androgen levels and altering androgen metabolism.

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Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal disorder in women, linked to increased risk of metabolic and heart diseases, and needs more research for better understanding and treatment.

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