Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting 5–10 % of women of reproductive age. It generally manifests with oligo/anovulatory cycles, hirsutism and polycystic ovaries, together with a considerable prevalence of insulin resistance. Although the aetiology of the syndrome is not completely understood yet, PCOS is considered a multifactorial disorder with various genetic, endocrine and environmental abnormalities. Moreover, PCOS patients have a higher risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and their related morbidity, if compared to the general population.
Highlights
Definition and diagnostic criteria Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women and major cause of anovulatory infertility
Since many women with PCOS seem to have insulin resistance, compensatory hyperinsulinemia is thought to contribute to hyperandrogenism [72, 73] by direct stimulation of ovarian production of androgens and by inhibition of liver synthesis of SHGB that increases testosterone availability
Therapeutic tools are represented by hormonal contraceptives, antiandrogen drugs, metformin and inositols
Summary
Definition and diagnostic criteria Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women and major cause of anovulatory infertility. Since many women with PCOS seem to have insulin resistance, compensatory hyperinsulinemia is thought to contribute to hyperandrogenism [72, 73] by direct stimulation of ovarian production of androgens and by inhibition of liver synthesis of SHGB that increases testosterone availability.
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