Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrine disorder amongst women of reproductive age, which is characterized by reproductive and cardiometabolic disturbances with long-term health repercussions. Insulin resistance (IR), impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), obesity and dyslipidemia occur more in women with PCOS than in age-comparable women without PCOS. Long term data regarding risks or benefits of medical intervention for metabolic dysfunction of PCOS are lacking. Therapies, such as oral contraceptives (OCPs) and anti-androgenic medications used to manage the reproductive manifestations of PCOS, may themselves be the cause of cardiometabolic perturbations. Hence, strategies regarding the management of reproductive issues in PCOS encompass a patient-specific tailored approach. Factors that influence the cardiometabolic side effects arising during treatment of the reproductive manifestations of PCOS (hirsutism/anovulation) are also discussed in this paper in order to build future strategies to minimize the overall cardiometabolic risk.
Keywords:
PCOS; anti-androgens; cardiovascular risk factors; cholesterol; insulin sensitizers; life style; oral contraceptive pills; treatment.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Androgen Antagonists / adverse effects
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Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use
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Anovulation / etiology
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Anovulation / prevention & control
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Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced
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Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
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Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
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Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
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Combined Modality Therapy / adverse effects
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Contraceptives, Oral / adverse effects
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Contraceptives, Oral / therapeutic use
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / chemically induced
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / epidemiology
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / etiology
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / prevention & control*
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Disease Progression
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Dyslipidemias / chemically induced
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Dyslipidemias / epidemiology
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Dyslipidemias / etiology
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Dyslipidemias / prevention & control*
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Female
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Fertility Agents, Male / adverse effects
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Fertility Agents, Male / therapeutic use
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Healthy Lifestyle*
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Humans
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Insulin Resistance*
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Obesity / chemically induced
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Obesity / epidemiology
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Obesity / etiology
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Obesity / prevention & control*
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / drug therapy
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / metabolism
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / physiopathology
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / therapy*
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Risk Factors
Substances
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Androgen Antagonists
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Contraceptives, Oral
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Fertility Agents, Male