Obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

November 2007 in “ Medical Clinics of North America ”

Michael Magnotti, Walter Futterweit

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS hyperandrogenism hyperinsulinemia obesity cardiovascular disease type 2 diabetes mellitus metabolic syndrome insulin resistance adipokines adiponectin resistin metformin oral contraceptive pills T2DM birth control pills

Studysummary This review discusses the impact, pathophysiology, and health risks of obesity and the metabolic syndrome in polycystic ovarian syndrome, emphasizing the potential life-saving benefits of recognition and treatment, but it reports no new results. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The document from 2007 examines the link between obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition prevalent in reproductive-aged women that is often undiagnosed and associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It reports that PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinemia, and frequently obesity, with a study indicating a 28% prevalence of PCOS in overweight and obese Spanish women. The document stresses the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to manage metabolic and cardiovascular risks and the emotional impact of PCOS symptoms. It also discusses the pathogenesis of PCOS, its clinical features, and the exacerbation of symptoms due to obesity. Weight loss is recommended as the primary therapeutic option. Furthermore, the document outlines the metabolic and cardiovascular risks linked to PCOS, especially concerning abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. It also notes that 75% of women with PCOS meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome, with a high rate of impaired glucose tolerance and T2DM at initial evaluation. The role of adipokines in obesity and PCOS is discussed, with findings of altered adiponectin and resistin levels in PCOS patients, although their exact role remains unclear. Treatment should be individualized, with weight loss as the first step for obese patients. The document also reviews the use of metformin and oral contraceptive pills for managing PCOS, highlighting the importance of recognizing and treating PCOS to potentially save lives.

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

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research A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Unselected Caucasian Women from Spain

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research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Clinical and Biochemical Features

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