- Part 1 Principles of international endocrine practice
- Part 2 Pituitary and hypothalamic diseases
- Part 3 The thyroid
- Part 4 Parathyroid, calcium, and bone metabolism
- Part 5 The adrenal gland and endocrine hypertension
- Part 6 Neuroendocrine tumours and genetic disorders
- Part 7 Growth and development during childhood
- Part 8 Female endocrinology and pregnancy
- 8.1 Female endocrinology and ovarian disorders
- 8.1.1 The generation and use of human embryonic stem cells
- 8.1.2 Menstrual cycle and ovulation
- 8.1.3 Hormonal contraception
- 8.1.4 Premenstrual syndrome
- 8.1.5 Primary ovarian failure
- 8.1.6 Disorders of gonadotropin secretion
- 8.1.7 Hyperprolactinaemic anovulation
- 8.1.8 Polycystic ovary syndrome: reproductive aspects
- 8.1.9 Polycystic ovary syndrome: metabolic aspects
- 8.1.10 Hirsutism
- 8.1.11 Infertility and assisted reproduction
- 8.1.12 Nutrition and reproduction
- 8.2 Pregnancy-related disorders
- Part 9 Male hypogonadism and infertility
- Part 10 Endocrinology of ageing and systemic disease
- Part 11 Endocrinology of cancer
- Part 12 Obesity, lipids, and metabolic disorders
- Part 13 Diabetes mellitus
(p. 1235) Polycystic ovary syndrome: metabolic aspects
- Chapter:
- (p. 1235) Polycystic ovary syndrome: metabolic aspects
- Author(s):
Richard S. Legro
- DOI:
- 10.1093/med/9780199235292.003.0857
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is thought to be primarily a disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. The diagnostic criteria reflect ovarian dysfunction, i.e. hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. However, women with PCOS appear to be uniquely insulin resistant, are frequently obese, and may be at risk for a variety of long-term health disorders including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers. Although the endocrine and reproductive features of the disorder improve with age, the associated metabolic abnormalities, particularly components of the metabolic syndrome, may actually worsen. This chapter will explore the pathophysiology of aberrant insulin action in women with PCOS, recognition of long-term risks, and preventive strategies.
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- Part 1 Principles of international endocrine practice
- Part 2 Pituitary and hypothalamic diseases
- Part 3 The thyroid
- Part 4 Parathyroid, calcium, and bone metabolism
- Part 5 The adrenal gland and endocrine hypertension
- Part 6 Neuroendocrine tumours and genetic disorders
- Part 7 Growth and development during childhood
- Part 8 Female endocrinology and pregnancy
- 8.1 Female endocrinology and ovarian disorders
- 8.1.1 The generation and use of human embryonic stem cells
- 8.1.2 Menstrual cycle and ovulation
- 8.1.3 Hormonal contraception
- 8.1.4 Premenstrual syndrome
- 8.1.5 Primary ovarian failure
- 8.1.6 Disorders of gonadotropin secretion
- 8.1.7 Hyperprolactinaemic anovulation
- 8.1.8 Polycystic ovary syndrome: reproductive aspects
- 8.1.9 Polycystic ovary syndrome: metabolic aspects
- 8.1.10 Hirsutism
- 8.1.11 Infertility and assisted reproduction
- 8.1.12 Nutrition and reproduction
- 8.2 Pregnancy-related disorders
- Part 9 Male hypogonadism and infertility
- Part 10 Endocrinology of ageing and systemic disease
- Part 11 Endocrinology of cancer
- Part 12 Obesity, lipids, and metabolic disorders
- Part 13 Diabetes mellitus