Functional and Structural Uterine Changes in PCOS

Abstract

(1) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinological disorders worldwide; its complex etiopathology remains poorly understood. PCOS is associated with a broad spectrum of abnormalities, including irregular menses, androgen excess, and increased risk of metabolic, endocrinological, and cardiovascular disorders. This narrative review focuses on structural and functional changes in the uterus associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and hyperandrogenism. (2) The review was performed by searching PubMed, Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library electronic databases on records published between 1964 and 2025. The authors included studies on (i) the uterus in clinical settings of PCOS patients, (ii) the uterus in PCOS models, and (iii) the pregnant uterus in patients with PCOS. Multiple animal and human studies describe a potential impact of PCOS on uterine blood flow, morphology, and thickness of the uterine muscle, indicating a possible functional impairment in pregnant and non-pregnant women. The scope of available knowledge regarding functional and structural uterine changes in PCOS is scarce; new studies are warranted. Future research should focus on hyperandrogenism associated with PCOS and explore the link between the morphology and function of the uterus.

Keywords: animal studies; polycystic ovary syndrome; pregnancy; uterine blood flow; uterine function; uterine morphology; uterus.

Figure 1

Uterine changes potentially associated with PCOS. Possible influencing factors include elevated levels of testosterone, DHEA, AMH, insulin, estrogens, associated inflammation, and high levels of androgen receptors. DHEA—Dehydroepiandrosterone; AMH—Anti-Müllerian Hormone. Created with BioRender (2025).