Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Implications and Treatments

September 2005 in “ Morecambe Bay medical journal ”

Swarup S Patel, Vincent Bamigboye

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS insulin resistance insulin-like growth factor weight loss anti-androgenic therapy hormone blood levels androgenic alopecia hypersecretion of luteinising hormone acanthosis nigricans metformin ovarian stimulation in vitro fertilisation IVF

TLDR Insulin resistance plays a key role in PCOS, and lifestyle changes, weight loss, and medications like metformin can help manage it.

The document from 18 years ago discussed the implications of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and its associated conditions. It highlighted the role of insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of PCOS, with studies showing the expression of insulin-like growth factor in polycystic ovaries. Lifestyle modifications were suggested as a potential treatment for PCOS. Weight loss and anti-androgenic therapy were found to have effects on hormone blood levels and insulin resistance in obese patients with PCOS. The document also mentioned the prevalence of PCOS in women with androgenic alopecia. Other associated conditions discussed included hypersecretion of luteinising hormone, acanthosis nigricans, and coronary artery calcification. The document also discussed the use of metformin in treating insulin-resistant women with PCOS and its effects on ovarian stimulation and in vitro fertilisation.