Polycystic ovary syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrinopathy consisting of oligo-ovulation, excess androgen, and polycystic ovaries, commonly have an adverse cardiovascular risk profile. This profile is exacerbated by obesity, which is common among women with the syndrome, especially in the United States. Recent articles from cohort and case-control studies support an increased risk of cardiovascular disease events in postmenopausal women with PCOS, though the diagnosis of PCOS in menopause is problematic. Treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, including insulin resistance, lipids, and serum markers of atherosclerosis (most commonly C-reactive protein) is receiving increasing clinical focus. While weight loss with lifestyle therapy is a universal goal in obese women, the role of additional pharmaceutical treatment of metabolic risk factors such as hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia is uncertain.