How should we manage atherogenic dyslipidemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome?

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Jan;198(1):28.e1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2007.09.014.

Abstract

Despite their young age, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have increased cardiovascular risk. Besides normal concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, dyslipidemia is very common and includes elevated triglyceride levels and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Recent findings also showed that women with PCOS have qualitative LDL alterations, with increased levels of atherogenic small, dense LDL particles. Such lipid abnormalities constitute a common form of dyslipidemia, the so-called atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype (ALP), associated with a greater cardiovascular risk. Weight reduction and increased physical activity may constitute first-line therapy for ALP in PCOS, and lipid lowering drugs, particularly nicotinic acid and fibrates, should be used in patients with severe dyslipidemia. Statins have usually a lower impact on ALP, and their beneficial effect is often moderate. Insulin-sensitizing medications favorably alter each component of ALP and combined therapy with these agents remains an option; in particular, the combination pioglitazone plus metformin seems to be particularly beneficial.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Atherosclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Atherosclerosis / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Cholesterol, HDL / drug effects
  • Cholesterol, HDL / metabolism
  • Cholesterol, LDL / drug effects
  • Cholesterol, LDL / metabolism
  • Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Dyslipidemias / drug therapy*
  • Dyslipidemias / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / complications*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors