Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
December 2017
in “
InTech eBooks
”
TLDR Lifestyle changes and insulin-sensitizing drugs are effective for managing PCOS.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) was a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, characterized by insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and ovarian dysfunction. The pathogenesis involved complex interactions within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, with increased GnRH pulse frequency and LH/FSH ratio contributing to symptoms like anovulation and hirsutism. Women with PCOS faced higher risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Management focused on lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and insulin-sensitizing drugs like metformin to improve symptoms. Inflammation and vitamin D deficiency were also implicated, with vitamin D supplementation showing benefits in managing metabolic aspects of PCOS. Despite the unclear pathophysiology, advancements in understanding PCOS's molecular mechanisms aided in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.