Introduction In 1935, Dr. Stein and Dr. Leventhal first described the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS; Stein-Leventhal syndrome) as the etiology for irregular ovulation in young female patients presenting with hirsutism, amenorrhea, and enlarged ovaries with multiple cysts . PCOS is…
Introduction Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent (5%–10%) endocrine-metabolic dysfunction in adult women, characterized by chronic oligo-anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). Most women with PCOS also show neuroendocrine dysfunction, reflected by increased luteinizing hormone (LH) levels…
Introduction (why to use antiandrogens) Excessive androgen secretion, manifested as hirsutism, acne, and/or alopecia, constitutes one of the cardinal features in women and adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) . Regardless of its severity, clinical hyperandrogenism may harm psychosocial well-being…
Vitamin D metabolism Vitamin D is a steroid hormone, synthesized mainly by the skin on exposure to natural sunlight, with < 10%–20% deriving from the diet . Vitamin D is hydroxylated to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) or calcifediol by the liver;…
Introduction Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy, affecting women in reproductive age. The manifestations of this condition consist of ovulatory, metabolic, aesthetic, psychological, and possibly an elevated risk of cancer as well. Authorities have published guidelines on…
Introduction Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), despite being one of the most common endocrine disorders among reproductive-aged women (5%–10%) and one of the most leading causes of female infertility, is still characterized by notable uncertainties and limitations about its etiology, diagnosis,…
Introduction It is well known that in young women with PCOS, the cardiovascular (CV) risk is increased . In fact, in these patients, all CV risk factors including atherogenic dyslipidemia, LDL (low-density lipoproteins) levels, C-reactive protein, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome…
Overview of metabolic risk profile and complications of NAFLD Excessive hepatic fat accumulation defines the primary event in the continuum of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that has become the commonest liver disease in Western populations, affecting 17%–46% of adults…
Introduction Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with neuroendocrine dysfunctions, insulin resistance (IR), impaired ovarian steroidogenesis and hyperandrogenism . Although the etiology of PCOS is still poorly known, androgens and insulin are thought to be two key factors in its…
Introduction The myth of Ariadne's thread is a fitting analogy for providing a practical and logical algorithm for the management of anovulatory PCOS. The legend tells of King Minos who, after conquering Athens, demanded the annual sacrifice of seven maidens…