Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Trilogy: A Translational and Clinical Review

The document from 2008 provides a comprehensive review of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder in women that leads to chronic anovulatory infertility and hyperandrogenaemia, with symptoms like irregular periods, excessive hair growth, and acne. It summarizes discussions from a special interest group meeting, focusing on the basic science of PCOS, cardiovascular risks, and dermatological issues. The paper notes that PCOS ovaries have an excess of follicles that produce too many androgens, contributing to hyperandrogenaemia and anovulation in some women. It also explores the genetic aspects, particularly a potential link to chromosome 19, and the role of androgens in follicle development. The document reports that the medical costs for PCOS in the USA were approximately $4 billion in 2005, and the condition significantly affects the quality of life. It underscores the importance of multidisciplinary research for better understanding and treatment of PCOS, despite the fact that the aetiology of PCOS remains not fully understood.