Primary and secondary prevention of metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities in women with polycystic ovary syndrome - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia

Current concepts on polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very common endocrine disease, affecting women of reproductive age. The prevalence of PCOS varies according to the diagnostic criteria used, with estimates ranging from 9% in women of reproductive age according to NIH criteria up to 18% with Rotterdam criteria ^, .

Evidence indicates PCOS is a polygenic disease in which the individual susceptibility is also determined by environmental risk factors, including lifestyle. In essence, PCOS is characterized by androgen excess and chronic anovulation. However, the clinical presentation is heterogeneous among patients and may change in the same women along the years. Most common signs and symptoms include hirsutism, irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. In the last two decades it has become also clear that PCOS women often present insulin resistance and increased risk for metabolic syndrome, type 2 (T2) diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension.

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