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Review
. 2025 Feb 20;18(1):34.
doi: 10.1186/s13048-025-01621-6.

Physiopathology of polycystic ovary syndrome in endocrinology, metabolism and inflammation

Pingping Su  1   2 , Chao Chen  3 , Yun Sun  4
Affiliations
Review

Physiopathology of polycystic ovary syndrome in endocrinology, metabolism and inflammation

Pingping Su et al. J Ovarian Res. .

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by elevated androgen levels, ovarian cysts, and impaired ovulation in females. This condition is closely linked with various reproductive health issues and has significant impacts on endocrine and metabolic pathways. Patients with PCOS commonly exhibit hyperandrogenaemia and insulin resistance, leading to complications such as acne, hirsutism, weight fluctuations, and metabolic disturbances, as well as an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer. Although extensive research has identified several mechanistic aspects of PCOS, a thorough understanding of its pathophysiology remains incomplete. This review aims to provide a detailed analysis of the physiological and pathological aspects of PCOS, covering endocrine, metabolic, and inflammatory dimensions, to better elucidate its etiological framework.

Keywords: Endocrinology; Inflammation; Metabolism; Physiopathology; Polycystic ovary syndrome.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Conflicts of interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Polycystic ovary syndrome in endocrinology, metabolism and inflammation
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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