Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Pathogenesis, and Diagnosis

January 2011 in “ Nature Reviews Endocrinology ”

Mark O. Goodarzi, Daniel A. Dumesic, Gregorio D. Chazenbalk, Ricardo Azziz

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS hyperandrogenism oligo-ovulation polycystic ovarian morphology insulin resistance infertility type 2 diabetes cardiovascular disease endometrial abnormalities prenatal testosterone exposure

Studysummary This paper reviews the diagnostic criteria, associated morbidities, and possible evolutionary advantages of polycystic ovary syndrome, but does not report any new findings.

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Research cited in this study

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Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Consensus Statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society

research Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Consensus Statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society

815 citations , April 2010 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

This review examines the relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk, but reports no new clinical findings; the panel calls for guidelines to prevent CVD in this population.

Metformin: An Old Medication of New Fashion: Evolving New Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

research Metformin: An Old Medication of New Fashion: Evolving New Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

200 citations , October 2009 in “European journal of endocrinology”

This review discusses the multifaceted actions of metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome and reports no new clinical results; the authors emphasize metformin's potential benefits in both cardiometabolic and reproductive aspects of PCOS.

research Visually Scoring Hirsutism

288 citations , June 2009 in “Human reproduction update”

This review examines various methods for assessing hair growth in women, highlighting the usefulness of the mFG visual scoring method for diagnosing hirsutism despite its limitations.

research Prevalence of Hyperandrogenemia in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosed by the National Institutes of Health 1990 Criteria

118 citations , February 2009 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that approximately 75% of women with PCOS exhibited hyperandrogenemia, with free testosterone being the most frequently elevated marker.

research Metabolic Features of the Reproductive Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

286 citations , January 2009 in “Human Reproduction Update”

This study reports that NIH PCOS is linked to more severe metabolic issues, including higher obesity and insulin resistance, compared to non-NIH PCOS phenotypes.

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 The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Criteria for the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Complete Task Force Report

1540 citations , October 2008 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This review discusses the definition of polycystic ovary syndrome proposed by the AE-PCOS Society Task Force, emphasizing hyperandrogenism, ovarian dysfunction, and excluding related disorders, while noting potential variations needing more research.

research Factors Associated With Risk for Depression Among Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

2 citations , September 2008 in “Fertility and Sterility”

In this study, women with PCOS were at higher risk of depression, particularly those with morbid obesity, but other symptoms like elevated testosterone and skin manifestations were not linked to increased depression risk.

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 Abdominal Fat Quantity and Distribution in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Relation to Insulin Resistance

270 citations , April 2007 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study found that PCOS patients had higher amounts of central abdominal fat compared to weight-matched controls, which was associated with increased insulin resistance.

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 Endothelial Dysfunction in PCOS: Role of Obesity and Adipose Hormones

155 citations , March 2006 in “The American Journal of Medicine”

This study found that young women with polycystic ovary syndrome have altered endothelial function associated with insulin resistance and lower adiponectin levels.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Pathology, and Medical Management

31 citations , April 2005 in “CRC Press eBooks”

The document explains that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a complex condition that is hard to diagnose and manage, but it doesn't talk about hair loss or hair growth.

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 Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

4809 citations , January 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This review discusses polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing its broad range of manifestations and associations with risks like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events, but reports no new clinical results.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

4025 citations , December 2003 in “Human Reproduction”

This review discusses the evolution of diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome and emphasizes its association with various metabolic and cardiovascular risks, but it provides no new research findings.

research Screening for 21-Hydroxylase-Deficient Nonclassic Adrenal Hyperplasia Among Hyperandrogenic Women: A Prospective Study

216 citations , November 1999 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that a basal 17-hydroxyprogesterone level is effective for screening nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia in women, with a 4 ng/mL cutoff providing high specificity and positive predictive value.