Effects of polycystic ovary syndrome on female reproduction.

Abstract

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations that mainly involve the metabolic and female reproductive systems. Recently, there is a strong evidence that PCOS is related to insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism which contributes short-term clinical presentations like menstrual irregularities, infertility, acne, hirsutism and male-pattern baldness, or long-term consequences such as diabetes, cardiovascular risks and endometrial cancer. This article provides a comprehensive review on the effects of PCOS on female reproductive functions, including menstrual and fertility problems and long-term risks of endometrial cancer along with their treatment and prevention strategies. Furthermore, this includes PCOS in adolescence which has become more prevalent and difficult to handle.