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

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

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

17 / 17 results

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

32 citations , October 2023 in “Biomedicines”

PCOS causes inflammation regardless of body weight.

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

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

Semaglutide helps obese PCOS patients lose weight and improve health.

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”

The 2023 guideline for PCOS suggests using updated diagnostic criteria, assessing related health risks, and recommends lifestyle changes and specific treatments for symptoms and fertility issues.

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”

The review found that current care models for PCOS are not fully effective and more research is needed, especially in low-income countries.

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”

Genetic risk factors for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can affect men too, not just women.

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”

SHBG may be a useful early indicator and treatment target for PCOS.

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

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

Men with hormonal imbalances similar to PCOS may have increased risk of metabolic and heart diseases.

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”

Both oral contraceptives reduced hirsutism in PCOS patients, but adding metformin showed no extra benefit.

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”

Use "female pattern hair loss" term, assess androgen excess, treat with minoxidil and other medications if needed.

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”

The research found that PCOS has common genetic factors regardless of how it is diagnosed and is linked to metabolic and reproductive issues.

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”

The levonorgestrel intrauterine device for heavy periods may cause acne, hair loss, and excess hair growth.

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”

Men with early hair loss have similar hormone levels to women with PCOS, possibly increasing risk of obesity and heart issues.

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.

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

12 citations , December 2005 in “PubMed”

Some men with early hair loss may have similar hormonal changes to women with Polycystic ovary syndrome, and could be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

research Health Care-Related Economic Burden of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome During the Reproductive Life Span

414 citations , August 2005 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Polycystic ovary syndrome costs the U.S. over $4 billion a year, mainly from treating related health issues.

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”

The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and highlighted increased risks of diabetes and heart disease for those affected.

Related Research

4 / 4 results

research Current Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Literature Review

15 citations , December 2016 in “Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira”

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal disorder in women, linked to increased risk of metabolic and heart diseases, and needs more research for better understanding and treatment.

research Caring for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

1 citations , May 2016 in “The Nurse Practitioner”

Treating PCOS is complex, involving medication like metformin and lifestyle changes, and requires attention to mental health due to high depression and anxiety rates.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Acne

10 citations , January 2011 in “Skin therapy letter”

Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.

research Screening for Diabetes in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

3 citations , March 2007 in “Canadian Medical Association Journal”

Women with PCOS should have an oral glucose tolerance test for effective diabetes screening.