The Interlink Between Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2023 Sep;52(3):533-545. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2023.01.005. Epub 2023 Mar 15.

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects around 10% of women in the reproductive age group and is characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and/or polycystic ovarian morphology. PCOS is highly associated with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) as both diseases share common risk factors. At the time of diagnosis of PCOS, screening for MAFLD is necessary because most patients with MAFLD are asymptomatic. The importance of early detection of MAFLD in patients with PCOS is that a timely intervention in patients with steatosis or steatohepatitis can reduce the probability of liver disease progression.

Keywords: Insulin resistance; Lipid metabolism; Metabolic syndrome; Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Polycystic ovary syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperandrogenism* / complications
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / complications
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / diagnosis
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / complications
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Risk Factors