Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Fertility

January 2016 in “ Open Journal of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases ”

Guilherme Oliveira Barbosa, Larissa Bianca Paiva Cunha de Sá, Denise Rosso Tenório Wanderley Rocha, Alberto Krayyem Arbex

PCOS hyperandrogenism hirsutism alopecia anovulation insulin resistance obesity diabetes mellitus type 2 amenorrhea oligomenorrhea Polycystic Ovary Syndrome hair loss infertility type 2 diabetes missed periods irregular periods

Studysummary This article discusses the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing its early diagnosis and management due to potential reproductive and metabolic complications, but reports no new findings. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

Eight years ago, the document discussed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition affecting 6%-10% of women of reproductive age, and its significant impact on fertility. PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenism, which includes symptoms like hirsutism, acne, and alopecia, and anovulation, leading to infertility. The syndrome is also associated with insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes mellitus type 2, and cardiovascular disease among others. PCOS was diagnosed in 30%-40% of patients with amenorrhea and 80% of patients with oligomenorrhea. The document also highlighted the association between obesity and menstrual irregularities, with about 50% of infertile women also having obesity. Lifestyle changes were recommended as part of the treatment approach.

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

1265 citations , October 2013 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This guideline from the Endocrine Society recommends using the Rotterdam criteria for diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome and outlines first-line treatments, emphasizing hormonal contraceptives and lifestyle intervention.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Dermatological Approach

26 citations , February 2011 in “Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia”

This review discusses the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing the critical importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent metabolic complications and improve quality of life.

Specific Dermatologic Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Association with Biochemical Markers of Metabolic Syndrome and Hyperandrogenism

research Specific Dermatologic Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Association with Biochemical Markers of Metabolic Syndrome and Hyperandrogenism

67 citations , February 2010 in “Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica”

In this study, hirsutism in women with PCOS was strongly associated with hyperandrogenism and metabolic abnormalities, while acne and androgenic alopecia were not effective markers for hyperandrogenism.

research Medical Treatments for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

212 citations , September 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses the various treatment options for male and female pattern hair loss and provides no new clinical results; the authors outline the most effective strategies based on existing evidence.

research Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

502 citations , February 2008 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

This review discusses hirsutism management guidelines, recommending androgen testing only for women with abnormal hirsutism scores and advocating for combined therapy approaches depending on severity and underlying conditions, but it reports no new clinical results.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Comprehensive Overview and Diagnostic Criteria

989 citations , August 2007 in “The Lancet”

This article reviews the clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and possible genetic and environmental influences of polycystic ovary syndrome but provides no new research findings.

research Dermatologic Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

76 citations , January 2007 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

This review discusses the dermatologic features of PCOS as potential early indicators of the syndrome and notes that treatment of these conditions may enhance quality of life and psychological well-being, but it reports no new clinical results.

research Diagnosis of Hyperandrogenism: Clinical Criteria

85 citations , June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

This review outlines the challenges in diagnosing hyperandrogenism in women, focusing on its manifestations like hirsutism, acne, and virilization, but provides no new results.

Fetal Programming of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Androgen Excess: Evidence from Experimental, Clinical, and Genetic Association Studies

research Fetal Programming of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Androgen Excess: Evidence from Experimental, Clinical, and Genetic Association Studies

253 citations , March 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This review discusses the hypothesis that polycystic ovary syndrome may originate in fetal life due to prenatal androgen exposure, but reports no new clinical results.

Current Recommendations for the Diagnostic Evaluation and Follow-Up of Patients Presenting with Symptomatic Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

research Current Recommendations for the Diagnostic Evaluation and Follow-Up of Patients Presenting with Symptomatic Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

19 citations , October 2004 in “Best Practice & Research in Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology”

This review discusses the complexities in diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome and emphasizes the need for individualized assessment based on each patient's specific symptoms and history, but reports no new results.

research Hirsutism and Acne in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

169 citations , August 2004 in “Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology/Baillière's best practice and research in clinical obstetrics and gynaecology”

This article discusses treatments for hirsutism and acne in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, suggesting that lower doses of current medications maintain efficacy while reducing cost and side effects, but reports no new clinical results.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Clinical and Biochemical Features

1947 citations , September 1995 in “New England journal of medicine/The New England journal of medicine”

This article discusses the heterogeneity of polycystic ovary syndrome, its association with insulin resistance, and its implications for long-term health, but reports no new clinical results.