Evanthia Diamanti-Kandarakis
University of Athens, Greece
Posters-Accepted Abstracts: Endocrinol Metab Syndr
PCOS is a common endocrinopathy affecting reproductive-aged women. PCOS has been recognized as a syndrome combining reproductive and metabolic abnormalities with lifelong health implications. Cardio-metabolic alterations require regular screening and effective and targeted lifestyle advice to lose weight as well as to prevent weight gain. Pharmacological therapy includes insulinsensitizer drugs and agents that act directly on metabolic comorbidities, such as statins and anti-obesity drugs. Bariatric surgery may be an option for severely obese women with PCOS regarding reproductive aspects, ovulation induction with anti-estrogens such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole is the first-line medical treatment. Exogenous gonadotropins and in vitro fertilization are recommended as second line treatment for anovulatory infertility. Laparoscopic ovarian diathermy may be used in special cases and metformin is no longer recommended for ovulation induction. Combined oral contraceptives (OCs) are the first-line treatment for the management of menstrual irregularities in women not seeking pregnancy, also providing endometrial protection and contraception. Progestin-only pills or cyclical progestins are recommended for those with contraindications to OCs. Metformin is also considered a second-line choice for improving menstrual cycles in women presenting insulin-resistance and dysglicemia. Regarding insulinsensitizing drugs versus combined OCs in PCOS patients, it has been reported that metformin is more effective than OCs in reducing fasting insulin and triglycerides and advanced glycated end products but there is insufficient evidence on their effects on hyperandrogenemic manifestations. Hirsutism requires cosmetic procedures and medical treatment with OCs. In conclusion, strategies regarding the management of PCOS encompass a tailored approach to individual needs of each patient.
