Clinical management of PCOS

Abstract

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous condition with genetic predisposition. It is characterized by a myriad of symptoms including oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, anovulation or infertility, hirsutism or acne. Insulin resistance appears to be an important factor in PCOS though the lack of an etiology has led to symptom oriented therapy which includes lifestyle modification, the use of cyclical progestagens and antiandrogens. Ovulation induction by drug therapy and ovarian drilling aims to treat subfertility in women with PCOS. Therapeutic approaches to PCOS remain an ongoing source of debate. Insulin sensitizing agents may bring new hope in therapy. Future research is aimed at shedding light on the pathophysiology so as to optimize treatment of women with PCOS.