Treatment strategies in PCOS patients

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with a prevalence of up to 7%, is the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. It is a complex metabolic–endocrine disorder with severe long-term health consequences, such as a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. According to prospective studies, women with PCOS have abnormal glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus in 31.0–35.0% and 7.5–10.0% respectively. This risk is 2–3 times higher than normal. Insulin resistance plays a key role in the pathophysiology of this syndrome, and this makes the use of oral anti-diabetic drugs most compelling. The majority of studies have shown amelioration of typical symptoms such as hyperandrogenism and cycle irregularities following the use of oral anti-diabetics, and ovulation and pregnancy rates increased. Furthermore, these drugs might be cardioprotective by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the risk for type 2 diabetes. The best-investigated drug is metformin. Metformin is not approved for PCOS treatment in Germany and is a class B drug in pregnancy. In sterile PCOS patients, clomiphene citrate is still the first choice. The combination of clomiphene with metformin and lifestyle changes such as weight reduction and exercise might be superior to clomiphene alone. This article covers the use of different oral anti-diabetic drugs in the treatment of PCOS, and their influence on fertility and long-term health.