Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Breakthrough in Etiology, Symptoms, and Therapy

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age, primarily caused by insulin resistance, with genetic and environmental factors also contributing. Insulin receptors in adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle activate pathways that regulate lipid metabolism. Genome-wide association studies have identified genes related to steroid synthesis and insulin signaling. Management of PCOS involves lifestyle changes, increased exercise, weight loss, surgical options, and medications to improve insulin sensitivity and ovulation, including antiandrogens, metformin, thiazolidinediones, aromatase inhibitors, ovulation enhancers, and combined oral contraceptives to regulate menstrual cycles.