title: The metabolic syndrome in polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: Approximately one-third to one-half of all women and adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has the metabolic syndrome, associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Evidence suggests that insulin resistance is the likely link between PCOS and the metabolic syndrome. Early screening for impaired glucose tolerance, even in adolescents, is recommended. Lifestyle modification with increased physical activity and weight reduction remains first-line therapy. Insulin-sensitizing drugs may also ameliorate features of the metabolic syndrome in PCOS but long-term prospective studies are needed to determine the role of these drugs in the prevention of the metabolic syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA. paessah@hsc.vcu.edu
authors.forename: Paulina A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Essah
authors.forename: Edmond P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Wickham
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Nestler
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors