Polycystic ovary (Stein-Leventhal) syndrome: etiology, complications, and treatment.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs in approximately 3% to 5% of the female population and may be the leading cause of infertility in those of reproductive age. PCOS presents clinically with a variety of signs and symptoms; the most common being menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, infertility, and obesity. The true pathophysiology has not been clearly elucidated; however, there is growing agreement that gonadotropin dynamic dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance are key features. The diagnosing of PCOS involves radiologic and laboratory studies. Radiologic studies typically include pelvic ultrasound; laboratory data should be obtained regarding pertinent gonadotropins and other hormone levels. PCOS is not a benign condition. It may lead to complications involving glucose metabolism, dyslipidemias, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The goals of treatment should focus on restoring menstrual regularity, decreasing androgen excesses, and decreasing insulin resistance.
Hoyt
Karri Lynn
KL
Intermountain Health Care Instacare, Logan, UT, USA.
Schmidt
Margaret C
MC
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000209:etiology; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000209:etiology; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors
D000728:Androgens