TLDR PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder with no clear cause or single diagnostic test, and current treatments focus on symptoms.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder characterized by clinical signs of androgen excess, elevated serum androgen concentrations, irregular menses, and infertility, with its root cause being hormonal imbalance, such as insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. This review, which included 12 randomized clinical intervention trials on young women published within the last five years, found that the pathophysiology of PCOS is complex and not fully understood. No single test was available for its diagnosis, and treatment options were limited and mainly targeted the symptoms. PCOS patients had higher rates of metabolic complications, including cardiovascular disease, but the impact on mortality was unclear. More research, particularly prospective epidemiologic studies, were needed.
62 citations,
August 2018 in “Frontiers in Endocrinology” Androgens are important for normal ovarian function and estrogen production, but may not be the main cause of follicle death.
4025 citations,
December 2003 in “Human Reproduction” The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.
467 citations,
October 2014 in “European Journal of Endocrinology” The European Society of Endocrinology advises individualized long-term management for PCOS, focusing on lifestyle changes, accurate diagnosis, and treatments for associated health risks and symptoms.
November 2018 in “International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Research” PCOS is a hormonal disorder causing symptoms like irregular periods and acne, and increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
October 2023 in “International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research” Women with PCOS face many health risks, but exercise, a healthy diet, and weight management can help.
44 citations,
September 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” New treatments are needed for PCOS that target its genetic, hormonal, and metabolic causes.
1 citations,
June 2019 in “Innovare journal of medical sciences” Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in women that can cause infertility and other health issues, and it may be improved by treatments that increase insulin sensitivity.
