Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Historically, much of the medical conversation around polycystic ovary syndrome, which affects 5% to 20% of women worldwide, has centered on fertility, but the condition extends far beyond reproductive health.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have a higher likelihood of experiencing infertility and subfertility, which can harm mental health and trigger stress, but not everyone with this disorder will require assisted reproduction to conceive.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to have any form of disordered eating, particularly bulimia or binge eating disorder, suggesting a weight-neutral treatment plan could be beneficial, data show.

Hormonal dysregulation seen in polycystic ovary syndrome can cause a cascade of issues for women, from hirsutism and weight gain to subfertility and type 2 diabetes. Yet beyond the reproductive years, the condition is often ignored.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome and high androgen levels may have a higher risk for liver disease than those with PCOS and normal androgen levels, according to an analysis of UK Biobank data.

Researchers said that toxic metals, including lead, cadmium and arsenic, were found in 100% of the tampons they tested in a recent study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome presents in many forms with many manifestations, which is why providers must work with patients to treat the condition while factoring in their preferences and top concerns.

BOSTON — Evidence suggests hyperandrogenism is associated with changes in the gut microbiome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and the gut microbiome may play a causal role in PCOS metabolic dysregulation, according to a speaker.

BOSTON — In this video exclusive, Andrea Dunaif, MD, discusses some of the latest research on polycystic ovary syndrome featured at the ENDO 2024.

Preliminary data show that an investigational hormone-free monthly vaginal contraceptive device successfully blocked sperm in a small open-label study recently published in Contraception.