Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Insulin Resistance.
- Author:
Ju Youn HWANG
1
;
Byung Seok LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yongdong Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. dr222@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Polycystic ovary syndrome;
Hyperandrogenism;
Insulin resistance;
Insulin sensitizer
- MeSH:
Anovulation;
Cardiovascular Diseases;
Female;
Humans;
Hyperandrogenism;
Hyperinsulinism;
Insulin Resistance*;
Insulin*;
Ovary;
Ovulation Induction;
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome*;
Theca Cells
- From:Korean Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
2006;49(6):1179-1187
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Polycysytic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism. The etiology of PCOS is complex and incompletely understood. Accumulating data conclude that hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenemia may cause hormonal abnormalities that lead to disturbance of ovarian function. Although insulin resistance is not a part of the diagnostic criteria for PCOS, its importance in its pathogenesis can not be ignored. Excess insulin is capable of stimulating steroidogenesis and therefore excessive androgen production occurs from the theca cell system. Recently, the effects of insulin sensitizer in PCOS patients are being reported and they include the improvement of menstrual pattern, improvement in hyperandrogenism, increased response in ovulation induction and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the relation of PCOS and insulin resistance will offer an improvement in treatment of PCOS in the future.
