title: Pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: The pathophysiology of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCO) is the subject of many hypotheses and speculations. In particular, the possible intervention in the starting and the maintenance of this syndrome of hyperprolactinemia, androgen hypersecretion, decreased FSH secretion is discussed. A primary abnormality at the level of the GnRH generator responsible for an increase of GnRH pulses frequency and amplitude remains an attractive hypothesis, at least in pure PCO syndrome. However, the possibility that other factors may contribute to the maintenance of a vicious circle of anovulation cannot be neglected. Regarding the treatment of chronic anovulation and hirsutism currently observed in PCO syndrome, only agents acting at the hypothalamic level are efficient, namely: clomiphene citrate for inducing ovulation and antigonadotropic therapies for improvement of hirsutism. These different possibilities are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Necker Hospital, Paris, France.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mauvais-Jarvis
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bricaire
mesh_terms: D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism; D002996:Clomiphene / Q000494:pharmacology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones; D002996:Clomiphene; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone