Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Facts beyond Reproduction. A Short Review

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive/gynecologic medical entity which often leads to an ovulatory state that could potentially lead to infertility. It is defined by the presence of two of the three following criteria: hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. The majority of women with this condition are obese and have a higher prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance as well as insulin resistance which supports the fact that PCOS has a major role in the development of diabetes. Moreover, PCOS patients are at a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including a higher incidence of future development of hypertension, and dyslipidemia, early onset endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and formation of plaques which might compromise the integrity of the coronary arteries and potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is imperative that gynecologists have a good understanding of the long term implications PCOS carry upon diagnosis and thus be able to provide a more general and complete clinical picture about the disease and aid in proper patient counseling.