Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis, Management, and Drug Repurposing

January 2022 in “ International Journal of Molecular Sciences ”

Hosna Mohammad Sadeghi, Ida Adeli, Daniela Calina, Anca Oana Docea, Taraneh Mousavi, Marzieh Daniali, Shekoufeh Nikfar, Aristidis Tsatsakis, Mohammad Abdollahi

TLDR PCOS management includes lifestyle changes and medications, with ongoing research into repurposed drugs for better treatment options.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder affecting 1 in 10 women before menopause, with contributing factors including insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, environmental factors, and genetics. Management often involves lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, regular exercise, and a low-fat, sugar-free diet. Medications such as oral contraceptives, antiandrogen agents, insulin sensitizers, and ovulation inducers are also used. The document also explores the potential of drug repurposing in the management of PCOS, with medications like pioglitazone, empagliflozin, sitagliptin, liraglutide, simvastatin, atorvastatin, and N-acetyl cysteine being considered. However, more research is needed to fully understand the pathogenesis of PCOS and develop targeted treatments. The document also reviews various clinical trials conducted since 2016 on repurposed medications for PCOS, with varying degrees of effectiveness and side effects.

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