A PCOS Paradox: Does Inositol Therapy Find a Rationale in All the Different Phenotypes?

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 25;24(7):6213. doi: 10.3390/ijms24076213.

Abstract

A recent evaluation of the published data regarding the PCOS topic has highlighted a paradox in the definition of this condition. Even though the name of the syndrome refers to ovarian dysfunction, it seems that patients diagnosed with PCOS are more likely affected by an endocrine and metabolic issue. The term PCOS might not be appropriate to indicate the phenotypes described by the Rotterdam criteria, since the only phenotype with a gynecological issue alone is PCOS phenotype D. This novel perspective regarding how PCOS is currently defined leads the way to a reinterpretation of the entire pathological context and the treatment prescribed, such as inositols. A new point of view on the etiopathogenesis of the disease completely changes the current meaning of PCOS and consequently the therapeutic rationale evaluated to date.

Keywords: PCOS; dysmetabolism; endocrine syndrome; myo-inositol; phenotype D.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inositol* / therapeutic use
  • Phenotype
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / metabolism

Substances

  • Inositol

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.