Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Clinical and Biochemical Features

September 1995 in “ New England journal of medicine/The New England journal of medicine ”

Stephen Franks

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS hyperandrogenism chronic anovulation hirsutism insulin resistance

TLDR PCOS is a common hormonal disorder causing irregular periods and increased hair growth, linked to insulin resistance and long-term health issues.

The document discussed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), highlighting it as one of the most common endocrine disorders characterized by hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation. The clinical and biochemical features of PCOS were noted to be heterogeneous, leading to debates on whether it represented a single disorder or multiple. The syndrome was identified as the most frequent cause of anovulation and hirsutism and was associated with insulin resistance, which had significant implications for long-term health.

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research A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Clear-Cut Endocrine Disorders and Polycystic Ovaries in 350 Patients Presenting with Hirsutism or Androgenic Alopecia

135 citations , August 1994 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

Most women with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia had polycystic ovaries, especially if they had irregular periods.

research Comparison of Flutamide and Spironolactone in the Treatment of Hirsutism: A Randomized Controlled Trial

165 citations , February 1994 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Flutamide is more effective and has fewer side effects than spironolactone for treating hirsutism.

research Treatment of Hirsutism with the Pure Antiandrogen Flutamide

130 citations , September 1990 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Flutamide effectively reduced excessive hair growth and improved related symptoms in hirsutism patients without significant side effects.

research Spironolactone Is an Effective and Well-Tolerated Systemic Antiandrogen Therapy for Hirsute Women

78 citations , May 1989 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

Spironolactone effectively reduces hair growth in women with hirsutism and is generally well-tolerated.

research Anti-Androgens in Gynecological Practice

7 citations , September 1988 in “Baillière's clinical obstetrics and gynaecology”

Cyproterone acetate is effective for treating hirsutism and acne in women by blocking androgens in the skin and also works as a contraceptive.

research Alopecia And Hirsutism: Pathogenesis And Management Strategies

15 citations , January 1988 in “Drugs”

The document concludes that treatments for female hair loss and excessive hair growth are temporary and not well-studied.

research Treatment of Hirsutism and Acne with Cyproterone Acetate

43 citations , May 1986 in “Clinics in Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Cyproterone acetate is effective for treating hirsutism and acne but less so for hair loss, with side effects similar to birth control pills.

3 / 3 results

research Genetic, Hormonal, and Metabolic Aspects of PCOS: An Update

258 citations , July 2016 in “Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology”

The document concludes that insulin resistance is key in PCOS development and early treatment is crucial to prevent complications.

research Managing the PCOS-Related Symptoms of Hirsutism, Acne, and Hair Loss

1 citations , August 2013 in “Springer eBooks”

Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications help manage hair growth, acne, and hair loss in women with PCOS.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Acne

10 citations , November 2010 in “Skin therapy letter”

Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.