Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Clinical and Biochemical Features

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

Stephen Franks

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS hyperandrogenism chronic anovulation hirsutism insulin resistance

Studysummary 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.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document discussed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), highlighting it as one of the most common endocrine disorders characterized by hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation. The clinical and biochemical features of PCOS were noted to be heterogeneous, leading to debates on whether it represented a single disorder or multiple. The syndrome was identified as the most frequent cause of anovulation and hirsutism and was associated with insulin resistance, which had significant implications for long-term health.

View this study on nejm.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

8 / 8 results

A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Clear-Cut Endocrine Disorders and Polycystic Ovaries in 350 Patients Presenting with Hirsutism or Androgenic Alopecia

research A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Clear-Cut Endocrine Disorders and Polycystic Ovaries in 350 Patients Presenting with Hirsutism or Androgenic Alopecia

135 citations , August 1994 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

In this study of women with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia, diverse underlying endocrine disorders including polycystic ovaries and various enzyme deficiencies were detected, often associated with elevated testosterone levels.

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

165 citations , February 1994 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that flutamide was more effective than spironolactone in reducing symptoms of hirsutism and related conditions in premenopausal women, with fewer discontinuations due to side effects.

research Treatment of Hirsutism with the Pure Antiandrogen Flutamide

130 citations , September 1990 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that combining flutamide with an oral contraceptive significantly reduced hirsutism, acne, and seborrhea in patients after seven months, without significant side effects.

research Spironolactone Is an Effective and Well-Tolerated Systemic Antiandrogen Therapy for Hirsute Women

78 citations , May 1989 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

This study found that in hirsute women, daily treatment with 200 mg spironolactone significantly reduced hair growth rates and hair shaft diameters on various body areas over 12 months.

research Anti-Androgens in Gynecological Practice

7 citations , September 1988 in “Baillière's clinical obstetrics and gynaecology”

This article discusses the mechanisms of hirsutism and acne in women, highlighting cyproterone acetate with ethinyloestradiol as an effective anti-androgen therapy in the UK, but it reports no new clinical findings.

research Alopecia And Hirsutism: Pathogenesis And Management Strategies

15 citations , January 1988 in “Drugs”

The document concludes that treatments for female hair loss and excessive hair growth are temporary and not well-studied.

research Clinical and Hormonal Effects of Chronic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Treatment in Polycystic Ovarian Disease

96 citations , October 1987 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

This study found that long-term GnRH agonist administration in premenopausal women with polycystic ovarian disease resulted in persistent suppression of ovarian steroid secretion, while adrenal steroid levels remained unchanged.

research Treatment of Hirsutism and Acne with Cyproterone Acetate

43 citations , May 1986 in “Clinics in Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This review examines androgen status in male and female obesity and its influence on the metabolic syndrome, but reports no new clinical results.