Fortnightly Review: Polycystic ovarian syndrome: the metabolic syndrome comes to gynaecology

BMJ 1998;317:329-332 ( 1 August )

Clinical review

Fortnightly Review

Polycystic ovarian syndrome: the metabolic syndrome comes to gynaecology

Zoe E C Hopkinson, clinical research fellow, ^a Naveed Sattar, specialist registrar in clinical biochemistry, ^b Richard Fleming, consultant grade biochemist, ^a Ian A Greer, Muirhead professor of obstetrics and gynaecology. ^a

^a University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary University NHS Trust, Glasgow G31 2ER, ^b University Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Glasgow Royal Infirmary University NHS Trust

Correspondence to: Dr Hopkinson z.hopkinson@clinmed.gla.ac.uk

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common form of anovulatory infertility.¹ Its association with menstrual disturbanceand altered hormonal parameters leads many affected women of reproductiveage to attend a gynaecology or infertility clinic. The aetiologyof the condition is unknown, but recent evidence suggests thatthe principal underlying disorder is one of insulin resistance,with the resultant hyperinsulinaemia stimulating excess ovarianandrogen production. Associated with the prevalent insulin resistance,these women exhibit a characteristic dyslipidaemia and a predispositionto non-insulin dependent diabetes and cardiovascular disease inlater life. Thus, polycystic ovarian syndrome seems to have manyof the hallmarks of the metabolic syndrome.^2-4 This article focuseson the recent change in attitudes to polycystic ovarian syndromearising from the link with insulin resistance $---$ a concept that notonly has major implications for the health of affected women butalso offers a potential for new treatments.

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Rapid Responses:

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome and bulimia nervosa: the wider issues.: John Farnill Morgan
bmj.com, 3 Aug 1998 [Full text]
Any relation with prolonged use of the pill?: Martin Quinn
bmj.com, 19 Aug 1998 [Full text]
Thank You!: Hedda P Westlake
bmj.com, 7 Jun 1999 [Full text]
Insulin resistance and weight reduction: Denise Cummins
bmj.com, 22 Aug 1999 [Full text]
Re: Thank You!: Tracy Maracle
bmj.com, 13 Sep 1999 [Full text]
Use of Metformin in the UK: Helen Lawrie
bmj.com, 16 Nov 1999 [Full text]
glucophage treatment: Cynthia Duarte
bmj.com, 14 Dec 1999 [Full text]
Re: Any relation with prolonged use of the pill?: Susan Bain
bmj.com, 11 Jan 2000 [Full text]
Is Metformin being used as a treatment for PCOS symptoms in the UK?: R Burley
bmj.com, 16 May 2000 [Full text]
Re: Insulin resistance and weight reduction: DeLynn Huff
bmj.com, 13 Apr 2001 [Full text]
I HAVE PCOS AND IM ONLY 23: Amber
bmj.com, 12 Aug 2001 [Full text]
Re: Use of Metformin in the UK: David Ruben
bmj.com, 13 Sep 2002 [Full text]
Living with PCOS: Enid P Kenney
bmj.com, 19 Mar 2004 [Full text]
Re: Living with PCOS: Margaret P Bellamy
bmj.com, 30 Jul 2004 [Full text]
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, the Pill and mineral deficiencies.: Ellen C G Grant
bmj.com, 1 Aug 2004 [Full text]