Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

April 2024 in “ Nature Reviews Disease Primers ”

Elisabet Stener‐Victorin, Helena Teede, Robert J. Norman, Richard S. Legro, Mark O. Goodarzi, Anuja Dokras, Joop S.E. Laven, Kathleen M. Hoeger, Terhi Piltonen

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS insulin resistance obesity genetic loci familial factors cardiovascular events endometrial cancer gestational diabetes hypertensive disorders metabolic-associated fatty liver disease

Studysummary Early diagnosis and treatment of PCOS are crucial to reduce health risks and costs.

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

The document highlights the significant health and economic burdens of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), stressing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to reduce risks of comorbidities and healthcare costs. Women with PCOS are at increased risk for cardiovascular events, endometrial cancer, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. The syndrome is linked to insulin resistance and obesity, and it has a genetic basis with familial factors and specific genetic loci contributing to its development. PCOS is also associated with psychological distress, mental health disorders, and an elevated risk of various cancers. Comprehensive management guidelines are needed to address these challenges and improve diagnosis and treatment strategies.

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Research cited in this study

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research Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Parameters in PCOS Patients Depending on Body Mass Index: A Case-Control Study

32 citations , October 2023 in “Biomedicines”

This study found that chronic low-grade inflammation exists independently of excess weight or obesity in women with PCOS, with notable increases in specific cytokines such as IL-9, MCP-3, and MIP-1α.

research Semaglutide Treatment of Excessive Body Weight in Obese PCOS Patients Unresponsive to Lifestyle Programs

29 citations , September 2023 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

This study found that semaglutide significantly reduced body weight in almost 80% of obese PCOS patients unresponsive to lifestyle changes, often normalizing menstrual cycles with few side effects.

Recommendations From The 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline For The Assessment And Management Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

research Recommendations From The 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline For The Assessment And Management Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

6 citations , August 2023 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This review details the 2023 International Guideline update for assessing and managing polycystic ovary syndrome, which provides evidence-based recommendations to improve care and patient outcomes but notes the remaining low to moderate quality of evidence.

A Systematic Review of Models of Care for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Highlights the Gap in the Literature, Especially in Developing Countries

research A Systematic Review of Models of Care for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Highlights the Gap in the Literature, Especially in Developing Countries

2 citations , July 2023 in “Frontiers in Endocrinology”

This review identified and evaluated polycystic ovary syndrome models of care, finding that only three fully aligned with international guidelines and generally received positive feedback on satisfaction; just one showed an impact on patients' BMI.

research Transgenerational Transmission of Reproductive and Metabolic Dysfunction in Male Progeny of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

1 citations , May 2023 in “Cell reports medicine”

Sons of mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a higher risk of obesity and insulin resistance, possibly due to certain genes and factors passed down from their mothers.

research Evidence From Men for Ovary-Independent Effects of Genetic Risk Factors for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

11 citations , November 2021 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study found that genetic risk factors for PCOS can lead to nonreproductive phenotypes in men, suggesting these effects are independent of ovarian function.

research Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin as an Early Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

58 citations , November 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This review discusses the relationship between SHBG, NAFLD, and PCOS and reports no new clinical results; the authors highlight low hepatic SHBG production as potentially significant in PCOS pathogenesis.

research Effectiveness of Low-Dose Ethinylestradiol/Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinylestradiol/Desogestrel with and without Metformin on Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Triple-Dummy Study

5 citations , July 2020 in “PubMed”

This study found that EE/CPA and EE/DES were both effective in reducing hirsutism in patients with PCOS, with no additional benefit from adding low-dose metformin.

research Male Equivalent Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Hormonal, Metabolic, and Clinical Aspects

12 citations , July 2020 in “DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)”

This review evaluates the hormonal, metabolic, and clinical aspects of a male equivalent PCOS syndrome in men and highlights areas where further research is needed, reporting no new empirical findings.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss and Androgen Excess: A Report From the Multidisciplinary Androgen Excess and PCOS Committee

49 citations , February 2019 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This review offers evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating female pattern hair loss, emphasizing clinical assessment and starting treatment with minoxidil, while noting that measurement of certain hormones and vitamins is optional.

Large-Scale Genome-Wide Meta-Analysis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Suggests Shared Genetic Architecture for Different Diagnosis Criteria

research Large-Scale Genome-Wide Meta-Analysis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Suggests Shared Genetic Architecture for Different Diagnosis Criteria

308 citations , December 2018 in “PLOS Genetics”

This study identified three novel genetic loci associated with PCOS and found similar genetic architecture across different diagnostic criteria, with evidence suggesting genetic links between PCOS and various metabolic and psychological traits.

research Incidence of Androgenic Dermatologic Side Effects Following Placement of a Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device for Menorrhagia: A Survey-Based Study

11 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This letter highlights that levonorgestrel intrauterine devices may lead to fewer systemic side effects, like acne, compared to its oral administration due to lower systemic levels of progestogens.

research A Comparison of the Hormonal Profile of Early Androgenetic Alopecia in Men With the Phenotypic Equivalent of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Women

47 citations , June 2016 in “JAMA Dermatology”

This study suggests men with early androgenetic alopecia might have hormonal profiles similar to women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, potentially indicating risk for related health complications.

research Global Adiposity Rather Than Abnormal Regional Fat Distribution Characterizes Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

149 citations , December 2007 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Women with PCOS have overall higher body fat, not abnormal fat placement, and more insulin resistance.

Premature Androgenic Alopecia and Insulin Resistance: Male Equivalent of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?