POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine and metabolic disorders in premenopausal women. The etiology of this syndrome remains largely unknown, but evidence suggests that PCOS is a complex disorder with strong genetic and environmental influences, including diet and lifestyle factors. PCOS is frequently associated with abdominal adiposity, insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular risk factors. The clinical symptoms, including hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation, typically develop during adolescence.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Androgen excess, observed in 60–80% of patients with PCOS, is a key feature of the disorder. Hirsutism and hyperandrogenism are manifestations of the excessive androgen production. Hyperandrogenism, commonly demonstrated by elevated free testosterone in circulation, is the most common abnormality observed in the syndrome and plays a major role in perpetuating the aberrant hormone contributors to the pathophysiology of PCOS.

Insulin resistance (IR) and hyperinsulinemia are common findings in women with PCOS independent of their degree of adiposity, body fat topography, and androgen levels . Women with PCOS have a high risk of developing impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

CLINICAL FEATURES

Hirsutism is defined as excessive, coarse, terminal hairs distributed in a male fashion, and PCOS is the most common cause of hirsutism in adolescence.
Moderate or severe inflammatory acne,
Irregular menses,
Skin tags
Obesity

POSSIBILE COMPLICATIONS