Abstract
The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is frequently associated with comorbidities such as obesity, reduced glucose tolerance, hypertension, macrovascular disease and dyslipidemia. The Metabolic syndrome occurs in 30% of women with PCOS. Metformin has increasingly been used in this therapy due to its effects in reducing insulin resistance. Treatment of PCOS aims to reduce the symptoms of hyperandrogenism, regularize the menstrual cycle, reduce metabolic abnormalities, and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and of cardiovascular disease. Additionally it is important to prevent hyperplasia and endometrial cancer, and to offer contraception to those who do not wish pregnancy, and to help to induce ovulation to those who do. The effectiveness of metformin in this treatment is assessed in the light of the current best evidence.
Highlights
Methodology and GoalsThe polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy commonly occurring in reproductive age, affecting up to one in five women, depending on the population studied and the diagnostic criteria used, and it is the single most common cause for infertility in women [1] [2].It is estimated that, worldwide, 105 million women aged between 15 and 49 years are affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) [3]
Treatment of PCOS aims to reduce the symptoms of hyperandrogenism, regularize the menstrual cycle, reduce metabolic abnormalities, and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and of cardiovascular disease
Treatment of PCOS aims to reduce the symptoms of hyperandrogenism, regularize the menstrual cycle, reduce metabolic abnormalities, lower the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and of cardiovascular disease, prevent hyperplasia and endometrial cancer, and offer contraception to those who do not wish pregnancy and ovulation induction to those who do [2]
Summary
The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy commonly occurring in reproductive age, affecting up to one in five women, depending on the population studied and the diagnostic criteria used, and it is the single most common cause for infertility in women [1] [2]. PCOS, especially studies based on population [4] It was originally described by Stein and Leventhal as an association of amenorrhea and polycystic ovaries. At least two of three established criteria are necessary: 1) Oligo- and/or anovulation; 2) Clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism; 3) Polycystic ovaries; as well as the exclusion of other etiologies with similar clinical manifestation, such as: nonclassic (late-onset) congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen-secreting tumors, thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, Cushing’s syndrome, ovarian insufficiency, hypothalamic amenorrhea, and the use of exogenous androgens [2] [6]. The search was performed in the databases: PUBMED, EMBASE, BIREME, UPTODATE with “polycystic ovarian syndrome, metformin, oral contraceptive, fertility and anovulation”
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
