title: Insulin sensitizers and antiandrogens in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: The heterogeneous origin of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been demonstrated by several studies. Abnormalities in steroidogenesis and metabolism are present, but the exact link between these two pathologic features remains to be clarified. In clinical practice, more than one therapeutic approach for the treatment of this syndrome has been proposed over the last few decades. Because hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia contribute to a different degree to the phenotype of PCOS, therapeutic efforts have focused on agents that could treat or modify the clinical manifestations of these disorders. Antiandrogens as a sole treatment or combined with oral contraceptives are considered the treatment of choice for the manifestations of hyperandrogenemia, but there is no agreement about their efficacy on the metabolic sequelae of PCOS (insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, dislipidemia). Furthermore, the improvement of insulin sensitivity by insulin sensitizers may be of therapeutic value directly and/or indirectly in the management of clinical manifestations of hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenemia.
authors.affiliation: 1st Department of Internal Medicine, University of Athens Medical School, Greece.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Diamanti-Kandarakis
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zapanti
mesh_terms: D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002839:Chromans / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008687:Metformin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D045162:Thiazolidinediones; D000077288:Troglitazone
chemical_list: D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D002839:Chromans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D013844:Thiazoles; D045162:Thiazolidinediones; D008687:Metformin; D000077288:Troglitazone