Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatments

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 6%-7% of women of reproductive age and is characterized by symptoms such as chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, irregular menses, infertility, hirsutism, acne, and male-pattern hair loss. It also carries a risk for serious metabolic complications like type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The review from 2015 highlights that treatment should not only focus on symptomatic relief but also on managing metabolic risks. Lifestyle interventions are recommended as the first-line treatment, particularly for overweight individuals, while pharmacological options include hormonal contraceptives, anti-androgens, and insulin-sensitizers like metformin.