Metabolic Risk in PCOS: Phenotype and Adiposity Impact

The document from March 1, 2015, reviews the metabolic risks associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), emphasizing that women with PCOS have an increased risk of insulin resistance and cardiometabolic issues, which are worsened by obesity but exist independently of it. The review indicates that obesity is more common in severe PCOS phenotypes and may influence the diagnosis of PCOS. It also points out that cardiometabolic risks like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are higher in women with PCOS regardless of their weight. The document calls for all women with PCOS to be screened for metabolic and reproductive issues and highlights the need for further research to refine diagnostic criteria and treatment efficacy for different PCOS phenotypes and adiposity levels. A systematic review and meta-analysis within the document reports that women with PCOS have higher rates of overweight and obesity compared to controls, with prevalences of 61%, 49%, and 54% respectively. It also notes that insulin resistance is a core feature of PCOS, present in 85% of women with the condition, and that lipid abnormalities in PCOS are influenced by BMI.