Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review

July 2009 in “ Journal Of Endocrinology, Metabolism And Diabetes Of South Africa ”

Sureka Maharaj, Aslam Amod

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS hyperandrogenism anovulation polycystic ovarian morphology metabolic syndrome insulin resistance type 2 diabetes cardiovascular risks obstetric complications hirsutism spironolactone topical eflornithine metformin Vaniqa

From the encyclopedia

Spironolactone →

powerful topical and oral anti-androgen used mostly by women

Metformin →

diabetes drug with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and insulin-sensitizing properties

Studysummary The document concludes that managing PCOS involves treating symptoms and reducing long-term metabolic risks, with lifestyle changes being important.

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

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Research cited in this study

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research Evidence-Based and Potential Benefits of Metformin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review

343 citations , December 2008 in “Endocrine Reviews”

This review discusses the various evidence-based and potential applications of metformin in treating and preventing symptoms and complications associated with polycystic ovary syndrome but reports no new clinical results.

research Insulin Sensitizers for the Treatment of Hirsutism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials

121 citations , April 2008 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

Insulin sensitizers may slightly reduce hirsutism but are less effective than other treatments.

research Antiandrogens for the Treatment of Hirsutism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials

150 citations , February 2008 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

This study suggests that antiandrogens may slightly reduce hirsutism severity compared to placebo, but evidence is weak and their relative efficacy remains uncertain.

research A Systematic Review of Commonly Used Medical Treatments for Hirsutism in Women

75 citations , November 2007 in “Clinical endocrinology”

This study found that several drugs, including flutamide and spironolactone, significantly reduced hirsutism in women, with reduced effectiveness in those with higher BMI.

research The Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Criteria Are Insufficiently Robust for Clinical Research

59 citations , August 2007 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

This review discusses the diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome and reports no new results; the authors propose more robust criteria to address diagnostic variability and measurement uncertainty.

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.

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

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

1744 citations , August 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This review discusses definitions of polycystic ovary syndrome and reports no new clinical results; the authors support using modified 1990 NIH criteria and acknowledge ongoing evolution as research advances.

research Relative Prevalence of Different Androgen Excess Disorders in 950 Women Referred Because of Clinical Hyperandrogenism

352 citations , January 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study reported that classic anovulatory PCOS was the most common androgen excess disorder, followed by mild ovulatory PCOS and idiopathic hyperandrogenism, among patients evaluated for clinical hyperandrogenism.

research The Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Understanding PCOS and Its Endocrinology

131 citations , August 2004 in “Best Practice & Research in Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology”

This article reviews the complex pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome, highlighting how genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors contribute to its diverse symptoms, and reports no new results.

research Androgen Excess in Women: Experience with Over 1000 Consecutive Patients

947 citations , February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

In this study, polycystic ovary syndrome was the most prevalent cause of androgen excess, and suppressive hormonal therapy improved hirsutism, menstrual dysfunction, and acne in most patients, though side effects were common.

research Prevalence of Polycystic Ovaries in Women with Androgenic Alopecia

84 citations , November 2003 in “European journal of endocrinology”

This study found that women with androgenic alopecia had a higher prevalence of polycystic ovarian morphology and higher androgen levels compared to controls, suggesting a strong association with PCO.

research Pilosebaceous Physiology in Relation to Hirsutism and Acne

75 citations , May 1986 in “Clinics in endocrinology and metabolism”

This review explores how androgens and growth hormone influence the development of terminal hairs and sebaceous glands, attributing variability in hirsutism and acne to differing genetic sensitivities to androgens, but reports no new experimental data.