Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adult Women

March 2019 in “ Medicina Clínica (english Edition) ”

A.E. Ortiz-Flores, Manuel Luque‐Ramírez, Héctor F. Escobar‐Morreale

polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS androgen hirsutism endometrial hyperplasia

Studysummary This paper reviews the complexities of diagnosing and managing polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment to address symptoms due to hyperandrogenism, ovarian dysfunction, and metabolic issues, but reports no new results. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinometabolic disorder characterized by an excess of androgen production, leading to dermocosmetic, reproductive, and metabolic alterations. It is the most common metabolic endocrinopathy in women of childbearing age, with a worldwide prevalence of 6% to 15%. The disorder's etiology is complex and multifactorial, involving both environmental factors and genetic variants. The most frequent clinical manifestation of androgen excess is hirsutism, defined as an excess of terminal hair in androgen-dependent areas. Treatment of PCOS is personalized, aiming to reduce the psycho-emotional impact of dermocutaneous manifestations, prevent endometrial hyperplasia, increase fertility, and prevent or treat metabolic complications. The study was funded by the Carlos III Health Institute, Health Research Fund.

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research Understanding Variation in Prevalence Estimates of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

223 citations , June 2018 in “Human Reproduction Update”

This study concluded that including ovarian morphology in the diagnosis significantly increases the estimated prevalence of PCOS, revealing substantial variability due to clinical criteria and diagnostic cut-offs.

research Targets to Treat Androgen Excess in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

14 citations , September 2015 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets”

This review discusses potential treatments for androgen excess in polycystic ovary syndrome and reports no new findings, emphasizing the importance of individualized antiandrogenic management to minimize side effects.

research The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Position Statement from the European Society of Endocrinology

467 citations , October 2014 in “European Journal of Endocrinology”

This paper reviews the diagnostic criteria, etiological factors, and treatment approaches for PCOS, highlighting the importance of considering metabolic issues such as insulin resistance and obesity, but reports no new findings.

research Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

1265 citations , October 2013 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This guideline from the Endocrine Society recommends using the Rotterdam criteria for diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome and outlines first-line treatments, emphasizing hormonal contraceptives and lifestyle intervention.

Global Adiposity and Thickness of Intraperitoneal and Mesenteric Adipose Tissue Depots Are Increased in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

research Global Adiposity and Thickness of Intraperitoneal and Mesenteric Adipose Tissue Depots Are Increased in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

90 citations , February 2013 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome have higher global adiposity and increased visceral fat, particularly in the ip and mesenteric depots, compared to women without androgen excess.

research Prevalence of Functional Disorders of Androgen Excess in Unselected Premenopausal Women: A Study in Blood Donors

70 citations , February 2012 in “Human Reproduction”

This study found a high prevalence of clinical signs and functional disorders of androgen excess in premenopausal women, with idiopathic hyperandrogenism and idiopathic hirsutism rates similar to PCOS.

Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Hirsutism: A Consensus Statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society

research Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Hirsutism: A Consensus Statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society

378 citations , November 2011 in “Human reproduction update”

This review discusses the epidemiology, causes, diagnosis, and management of hirsutism in women, noting that effective treatment requires addressing the root cause as well as the hair growth.

research Lifestyle Changes in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

198 citations , July 2011 in “Cochrane library”

This study found that lifestyle interventions improved body composition, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance in women with PCOS, but did not affect glucose tolerance, lipid profiles, or clinical reproductive outcomes.

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.

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 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.