[Polycystic ovary syndrome - current state of knowledge]

Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2018 Jun 27;44(264):296-301.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder, affecting 5-10% women of reproductive age. It is one of the most common causes of functional infertility and a clinical problem that can be faced by doctors of many specialities. PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenism, oligoovulations and metabolic disorders. ESHRE/ASRM (2003) or AES (2006) criteria are used to diagnose a patient with polycystic ovary syndrome. Although a lot of studies are carried out, ethiology and pathogenesis of PCOS is still not clear. The treatment must be long-term, causal and depending on the patient's expectations. The fundamental part of the therapy are lifestyle modifications and weight loss. Losing as little as 5% of body mass increases frequency of ovulations, chances of pregnancy and improves hormonal profile. First-line therapy is clomiphene citrate and for hyperandrogenism reduction combined oral contraceptive pill is frequently used. Metformin, not only improves carbohydrate metabolism, but also increases ovulations' frequency and chances of pregnancy. Metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension and higher risk of endometrial cancer are characteristic for patients with PCOS.

Keywords: hyperandrogenism; metabolic syndrome; polycystic ovary syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Clomiphene / therapeutic use*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Fertility Agents, Female / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / diagnosis
  • Infertility, Female / drug therapy*
  • Infertility, Female / etiology
  • Infertility, Female / physiopathology
  • Metformin / therapeutic use*
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Obesity / drug therapy
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / etiology
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Fertility Agents, Female
  • Clomiphene
  • Metformin