Polycystic ovary syndrome: clinical implication in perimenopause

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hyperandrogenic disorder in premenopausal women.
• PCOS is linked to infertility, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic issues like insulin resistance and obesity.
• Women with PCOS often exhibit cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome components early in life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the long-term consequences of PCOS.
• To evaluate the clinical implications of PCOS in perimenopausal women.
• To determine if PCOS exacerbates cardiovascular risk during perimenopause.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on PCOS and cardiovascular health.
• Analysis of PCOS prevalence and risk factors in perimenopausal populations.
• Examination of the interplay between PCOS, aging, and cardiovascular risk.

Main Results:

• Perimenopause itself increases weight and cardiovascular risk.
• The impact of PCOS on cardiovascular risk in perimenopause is not fully understood.
• Emerging data suggest cardiovascular disease prevalence in women with PCOS may be lower than anticipated.

Conclusions:

• PCOS management in perimenopause requires careful consideration of metabolic and cardiovascular health.
• Further research is needed to clarify the long-term cardiovascular risks associated with PCOS.
• The phenotype of PCOS may change with age, potentially altering associated health risks.