Reconsidering the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

June 2022 in “ Biomedicines ”

Norbert Gleicher, Sarah K. Darmon, Pasquale Patrizio, David H. Barad

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS hyperandrogenic phenotype H-PCOS hypoandrogenic phenotype HH-PCOS metabolic abnormalities hypoandrogenism autoimmunity inflammation in vitro fertilization IVF androgen supplementation polygenic risk scores clustering analysis

Studysummary This study proposes reclassifying PCOS into two distinct phenotypes based on androgen levels and suggests androgen supplementation may overcome IVF resistance in one group with advancing age.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study re-evaluated Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), focusing on the lean phenotype D, which was often misclassified due to its transition from hyperandrogenism in early adulthood to hypoandrogenism after age 35. This transition led to resistance to infertility treatments, which could be reversed with androgen supplementation. The research proposed redefining PCOS into two categories: H-PCOS (hyperandrogenic) and HH-PCOS (hyper-/hypoandrogenic), with phenotype D in the latter. The study involved 154 HH-PCOS patients and 126 controls, finding that androgen supplementation improved IVF outcomes for HH-PCOS patients. It emphasized the need for age-specific diagnoses and suggested that PCOS might represent two distinct conditions, highlighting the importance of differentiating subtypes for better diagnosis and treatment.

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Research cited in this study

11 / 11 results

research Age-Specific Cut-Off Levels of Anti-Müllerian Hormone as Diagnostic Markers for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

8 citations , May 2021 in “Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology”

This study found that using age-specific AMH cut-off levels can help better identify PCOS patients across different age groups from 20 to 40 years.

research Fundamental Concepts and Novel Aspects of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Expert Consensus Resolutions

138 citations , August 2020 in “Frontiers in Endocrinology”

This review discusses expert consensus on PCOS, emphasizing its impacts and supporting evidence-based treatments, while recommending further research into nutraceutical benefits for managing the condition; it reports no new clinical results.

Increased DHEAS and Decreased Total Testosterone Serum Levels in a Subset of Men with Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia: Does a Male PCOS-Equivalent Exist?

research Increased DHEAS and Decreased Total Testosterone Serum Levels in a Subset of Men with Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia: Does a Male PCOS-Equivalent Exist?

9 citations , February 2020 in “International Journal of Endocrinology”

This study found that men with early-onset androgenetic alopecia and certain risk factors may have worse gonadal steroidogenesis and an increased likelihood of developing gonadal dysfunction, suggesting a male equivalent of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

research The Prevalence and Phenotypic Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

767 citations , September 2016 in “Human Reproduction”

This review analyzes the reported prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) based on different diagnostic criteria but does not provide new clinical results.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Endocrinology, and Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Disease State Clinical Review: Guide to the Best Practices in the Evaluation and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - Part 1

research American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Endocrinology, and Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Disease State Clinical Review: Guide to the Best Practices in the Evaluation and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - Part 1

343 citations , October 2015 in “Endocrine Practice”

This review discusses the diagnostic criteria and management strategies for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and highlights the need for comprehensive clinical assessment, but does not report new clinical findings.

The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Normal Population According to the Rotterdam Criteria Versus Revised Criteria Including Anti-Mullerian Hormone

research The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Normal Population According to the Rotterdam Criteria Versus Revised Criteria Including Anti-Mullerian Hormone

221 citations , January 2014 in “Human Reproduction”

This study found that the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome was 16.6% with Rotterdam criteria but decreased to 6.3% or 8.5% when using alternative criteria involving antral follicle count or anti-Müllerian hormone.

research Changes in the PCOS Phenotype with Age

62 citations , April 2013 in “Steroids”

This review discusses the age-related diagnostic challenges and comorbidities of polycystic ovarian syndrome and provides no new clinical findings; the authors emphasize the role of obesity in insulin resistance among affected women.

Consensus on Women's Health Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Amsterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored 3rd PCOS Consensus Workshop Group

research Consensus on Women's Health Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Amsterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored 3rd PCOS Consensus Workshop Group

1514 citations , December 2011 in “Fertility and sterility”

This consensus report reviews current knowledge and identifies knowledge gaps concerning the various health aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome, without presenting new clinical findings.

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.

Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

research Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

1744 citations , August 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This review discusses definitions of polycystic ovary syndrome and reports no new clinical results; the authors support using modified 1990 NIH criteria and acknowledge ongoing evolution as research advances.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

4025 citations , December 2003 in “Human Reproduction”

This review discusses the evolution of diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome and emphasizes its association with various metabolic and cardiovascular risks, but it provides no new research findings.