Endocannabinoid activation and polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review

Abstract

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the major cause of female infertility that affecting 5–10% of women of reproductive age (18–44 years). Many cases, the women do not find that they suffer from this syndrome until they try to get pregnant. The etiology includes the multiple fluid sacs or cysts grow in either or both ovaries where in some cases symptoms persist and others have no symptoms. The syndrome is characterized by chronic absence of ovulation as well as high levels of androgens. The major cause that contributes this syndrome includes mutation of one or more gene that causes hormonal imbalance, life style disturbance as well as environmental factors. Symptoms of PCOS include Infertility, hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, male pattern baldness, excessive hair growth on face, abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels etc. Treatment focuses on clinical improvement of patients suffered from the condition. The therapies include insulin sensitizing medications such as metformin that at present has gaining great interest. Use of metformin may reduce the risk of hyperinsulinism, type-2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Other medications include oral contraceptives or anti-androgen medications also proved beneficial in some cases. Clomiphene Citrate was used in many cases alone or in combination for ovulation induction in oligomenorrheic women. In this review, we have tried to explore the beneficial use of non psychoactive Cannabidiol to reduce the stress and pain during the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.