Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Short Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition characterized by elevated androgen levels, menstrual irregularities, and/or small cysts on one or both ovaries. The disorder can be morphological (polycystic ovaries) or predominantly biochemical (hyperandrogenemia). Hyperandrogenism, a clinical hallmark of PCOS, can cause inhibition of follicular development, microcysts in the ovaries, anovulation, and menstrual changes.

PCOS is a heterogeneous disorder that affects at least 7% of adult women. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Disease Prevention, PCOS affects approximately 5 million women of childbearing age in the U.S. Costs to the U.S. health care system for the identification and management of PCOS are approximately $4 billion per year.

Research suggests that 5% to 10% of females 18 to 44 years of age are affected by PCOS, making it the most common endocrine abnormality among women of reproductive age in the U.S. Women seeking help from health care professionals to resolve issues of obesity, acne, amenorrhea, excessive hair growth, and infertility often receive a diagnosis of PCOS. Women with PCOS have higher rates of endometrial cancer, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and type-2 diabetes mellitus. This article explores the pharmacotherapeutic management of PCOS.

PCOS can be described as an oligogenic disorder in which the interaction of a number of genetic and environmental factors determine the heterogeneous, clinical, and biochemical phenotype. Although the genetic etiology of PCOS remains unknown, a family history of PCOS is relatively common; however, familial links to PCOS are unclear. A lack of phenotypic information prevents a formal segregation analysis. Nonetheless, the current literature suggests that the clustering of PCOS in families resembles an autosomal dominant pattern.

Environmental factors implicated in PCOS (e.g., obesity) can be exacerbated by poor dietary choices and physical inactivity; infectious agents and toxins may also play a role. The reproductive and metabolic features of PCOS are sometimes reversible with lifestyle modifications such as weight loss and exercise.

Endocrinology and Metabolism: Open Access is a peer reviewed journal which focuses on the publication of current research and developments on the endocrine glands and its secretions with their coordination with metabolism and reproduction.

Endocrinology and Metabolism: Open Access Journal is using Editorial Tracking System to maintain quality and transparency to the author in the peer-review process. Review processing will be performed by the editorial board members of the Journal Endocrinology and Metabolism: Open Access or by Reviewers (outside experts in the field). Two independent reviewer’s approval (Minimum reviewer’s approval) followed by editor approval is obligatory for acceptance of any manuscript excluding an editorial.

Journal is now accepting manuscripts for volume 5 for year 2021. We publish minimum of 5 and maximum of 20 articles per issue every month. Submissions to our journal are given high priority during the process.

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Endocrinology and Metabolism: Open Access
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