The role of obstetrician-gynecologists and reproductive endocrinologists in the blood glucose management of polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to compare the differences between reproductive endocrinologists (Repro-Endo) and obstetricians-gynecologists (Ob-Gyn; non-reproductive medicine specialty) in diagnosing, evaluating, and treating PCOS women with insulin resistance (IR). Methods: Repro-Endo and Ob-Gyn in China participated in this survey, and their responses were analyzed using χ 2 tests, Fisher exact tests, and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The study analyzed 2412 survey responses (92.3% OB-Gyn; 98.5% women). Physician’s age, hospital grade, specialty, and the number of PCOS patients who visit the physicians, revealed that Repro-Endo participants were more likely to suggest an oral glucose tolerance test (OR, 1.727; 95% CI, 1.272–2.345) as their first choice than Ob-Gyn participants. The most common treatments for patients with PCOS were lifestyle modification (>95%) and metformin use (>80%). More Repro-Endo participants prescribed metformin at a dose of 1.5 g/day compared with OB-Gyn (46.5% vs. 23.5%), and more OB-Gyn participants reported being unclear about the appropriate dosage of metformin for patients with obesity and PCOS (12.5% vs. 1.6%). Conclusion: This survey identified knowledge gaps in metabolic screening for patients with IR and PCOS. Similarly, it highlights the need to improve IR management education for physicians caring for PCOS women.