PCOS

1. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Prof. M.C. Banal.
Founder Principal & Controller;
Jhalawar Medical College and Hospital , Jhalawar.
Ex Principal& Controller ;
Mahatma Gandhi Medical College And Hospital,
Sitapura, Jaipur.
Dr, Khusboo Saxena. PG (st) NIMS Medical College
Jaipur.

2. INTRODUCTION
•Most common cause of infertility in
women
•Classic syndrome originally described
by Stein and Levanthal
•Hyperandrogenism
•Menstrual irregularity
•Polycystic ovaries
•Central adiposity
•Syndrome, not a disease—multiple
potential etiologies with variable clinical
expression

3. History
•Originally described by Stein and
Leventhal in 1935, first known as the
“Stein-Leventhal syndrome”
•7 women with amenorrhea, hirsutism,
and obesity, found to have a polycystic
appearance to their ovaries.

4. PCOS
Syndrome characterized by
•Oligoammenorhoea / amenorrhoea
Laboratory criteria of
•Hyperandrogenemia
•Hyperinsulinemia

5. Diagnostic criteria based on the modified consensus of
National Institutes of Health and Child Health and
Human Development.
•Major
–Chronic anovulation
–Hyperandrogenemia
–Clinical signs of hyperandrogenism
–Other etiologies excluded
•Minor
– Insulin resistance
–Perimenarchal onset of hirsutism and obesity
–Elevated LH : FSH ratio
–Intermittent anovulation associated with hyperandrogenemia
(free testosterone, DHEAS).

6. Rotterdam criteria
•2 of 3
•Polycystic ovaries (>12 peripheral follicles
or increased ovarian volume >10cm
3
)
•Oligo- or anovulation
•Clinical and/or biochemical signs of
hyperandrogenism
•And exclusion of other etiologies such as
hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia,
congenital adrenal hyperplasia, cushing
syndrome, androgen secreting tumors

7. AE-PCOS SOCIETY 2006
•Hyperandrogenism-hirsutism and/ or
hyperandrogenemia
•And
•Ovarian dysfunction-oligo-anovulation
and/ or polycystic ovaries
•Exclusion of other androgen excess or
related disorders

8. Pituitary –ovarian –Adrenal Inter action

9. PATHOGENESIS

10. Abnormal Pituitary Function—
Altered Negative Feedback Loop
•Increased GnRH from hypothalamus
•Excessive LH secretion relative to FSH by
pituitary gland
•LH stimulates ovarian thecal cells-- androgen
production
• Ineffective suppression of the LH pulse
frequency by estradiol and progesterone
•Androgen excess increases LH by blocking the
hypothalamic inhibitory feedback of
progesterone

14. Abnormal steroidogenenesis
•Intraovarian androgen excess results in
excessive growth of small ovarian
follicles
•Follicular maturation is inhibited
•Excess androgen causes thecal and
stromal hyperplasia

15. HYPERANDROGENISM
•Hirsutism, acne, male pattern balding,
alopecia
•50-90% patients have elevated serum
androgen levels
•Free testosterone levels most sensitive
•Rare: increased muscle mass, deepening
voice, clitormegaly (should prompt
search for underlying neoplasm)

16. Pathogenesis: Hyperandrogenism
•Symptoms of androgen excess
•Reduced sex-hormone-binding globulin
(SHBG)  more free testosterone
•Insulin insensitivity
•Lipid abnormalities
•Abdominal obesity

18. Origin and sequelae of abnormal
neuroendocrine function in PCOS
PCOS Women
Persistent rapid LH dysfunction (1LH pulse/hour)Persistent rapid LH dysfunction (1LH pulse/hour)
↑ ↑ LH & LH : FSH ratioLH & LH : FSH ratio ↓ ↓ FSHFSH
↑ ↑ ovarian androgensovarian androgens
Impaired follicular developmentImpaired follicular development
Impaired hypothalamicImpaired hypothalamic
Progesterone sensitivityProgesterone sensitivity
Impaired Progesterone Impaired Progesterone
productionproduction
Source : Blank SK et al Hum Reprod updare 2006 Jul - AugSource : Blank SK et al Hum Reprod updare 2006 Jul - Aug

19. Insulin resistance in PCOS:
•Insulin resistance in PCOS is independent of obesity
–Obese women with PCOS tend to be more insulin resistant
than normal-weight counterparts.
–Obesity is an independent risk factor for glucose intolerance
or DM in PCOS
•3-fold increased incidence of metabolic syndrome in
PCOS, vs general population, independent of obesity.
•Insulin resistance ≠ glucose intolerance
–Many insulin resistant PCOS pts have normal glucose
tolerance
–30-40% prevalence of glucose intolerance in PCOS women
–7-10% prevalence of type 2 DM in PCOS women
–Insulin resistance worsens over time
–Increased risk for impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 DM

20. ETIOLOGY OF INSULIN
RESISTTANCE
•Unknown largely.
•Mutation of the insulin receptor gene in
the peripheral target tissues
•Reduced tyrosine auto phosphorylation
of the insulin receptor.

21. Pathogenesis: Insulin resistance
•Favors anovulation, androgen excess,
reduced SHBG
•Metabolic syndrome
•Abdominal obesity

22. HYPERINSULINEMIA
•Excess insulin production and insulin
resistance
•Genetic link

23. Genetic Predisposition
Aging
Pregnancy
Drugs
Lifestylewu goCuBGc C Mlu.c
Insulin ResistanceHyperinsulinemia
HyperinsulinemiaAltered Fat Metabolism
Altered Fat MetabolismAltered Steroid Hormone Metabolism
Altered Steroid Hormone MetabolismPAad : Acne, hirsutism,
hyperandrogenism infertility
PCOS: Acne, hirsutism,
hyperandrogenism infertility
Adapted from Cristello F et al, Gynecological Endocrinology, 2005.Android
Obesity
Android
Obesity↑ Lipid Storage
↑ Lipid Storage

24. Insulin Resistance:
Associated Conditions
Insulin Resistance Insulin Resistance
Type 2 diabetesType 2 diabetes
Hypertension Hypertension
Impaired Glucose Impaired Glucose
tolerancetolerance
Obesity (central)Obesity (central)
Polycystic ovary Polycystic ovary
diseasedisease
HyperuricemiaHyperuricemia
Acanthosis Acanthosis
Nigricans Nigricans
Decreased Decreased
Fibrinolytic Fibrinolytic
Activity Activity
DyslipidemiaDyslipidemia
AtherosclerosisAtherosclerosis

26. D a,lnacCEoct;Gaof Elevated AndrogenssloFtalf
sloFtalf
PancreasPancreas
Insulin Receptor Dysfunction
HyperinsulinaemiabM,at
bM,at
LiverLiver
LHRH&de;nxl lJ.f
&de;nxl lJ.f
HypothalamusHypothalamussMn.Mnltd
sMn.Mnltd
PituitaryPituitaryEctaol
Ectaol
AdrenalAdrenal(nt;Jl
(nt;Jl StromaStromaS; MF a
S; MF a FollicleFollicle
­ LH FSHD a,lnacCA&DE(
Elevated DHEASBac.FacC(&)h Reduced SHBGr C StaaCloct;Gaof
 Free androgens
Hyperinsulinaemia & Hyperandrogenaemia

29. Clinical Presentation of Women with PCOS
Adolescent
Period
Reproductive
Period
Menopausal
 Menstrual
Irregularity
Cosmetic
concerns
 Acne
 Hirsutism
 Hair Loss
 Infertility
 Early Pregnancy loss
 During pregnancy
 PIH
 GDM
 Metabolic
Syndrome
 Ca Endometrium
ObesityObesity

30. MENSTRUAL DYSFUNCTION
•Oligo or amenorrhea
–Menstrual irregularity typically begins in the
peripubertal period
–Delayed menarche
•Reduction in ovulatory events leads to
deficient progesterone secretion
•Chronic estrogen stimulation of the
endometrium with no progesterone for
differentiation—intermittent breakthrough
bleeding or dysfunctional uterine bleeding
•Increased risk for endometrial hyperplasia
and/or endometrial CA

31. OBESITY
•Prevalence of obesity varies from 30-
75%
•2/3 of patients with PCOS who are not
obese have excessive body fat and
central adiposity
•Obese patients can be hirsute and/or
have menstrual irregularities without
having PCOS

32. Apple Shape Pear Shape

33. OBESITY AND INSULIN
RESISTANCE
•½ patients with PCOS are obese
•> 80% are hyperinsulinemic and have
insulin resistance (independent of
obesity)
•Hyperinsulinemia contributes to
hyperandrogenism through production
in the theca cell and through its
suppressive effects on sex hormone
binding globulin production by the liver

34. ASSOCIATED MEDICAL
CONDITIONS
•Increased risk of developing Type 2
Diabetes and Gestational diabetes
•Low HDL and high triglycerides
•Sleep apnea
•Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
•Metabolic syndrome—43% of PCOS
patients (2 fold higher than age-matched
population)
•Elevated CRP and heart disease
•Advanced atherosclerosis

35. Hair & sebaceous Follicle Response to Hyperandrogenism

36. HIRSUTISM

37. Hirshutism

38. Male Type Hair Growth on Abdomen-
PCOS

39. Ferriman Gallwey score
Extent of terminal (coarse pigmented) hair growth at each of
the following 11 hormonally sensitive sites
Upper lip
Sideburn area
Chin
Jaw & Neck
Upper back
Lower back
Upper arms
Thighs
Chest
Upper abdomen
Lower abdomen
Score of 6 or above used to define clinical
hyperandrogenemia

40. Modified Ferriman Gallwey score
9 areas
•Score 1-4
•0-absence of terminal hair
•4-extensive terminal hair growth
>8 - hirsutism

41. Modified Ferriman Gallwey score

42. Ref : Hum Reprod 2004: 19
Ovulation
Fertilization
Implantation
Fetal Viability
Healthy Live born
Poor Oocyte
Quality
?Effects gestational
Diabetes and
hypertension
Endometrial
Abnormality
Effects
Hyperinsulinemia
PCOS and infertility

43. PCOS & Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome:
•Cluster of Cardiovascular risk factors related to Insulin
Resistance:
- Obesity
- Hyperinsulinemia
- Hypertension
- Atherogenic Dyslipidemia
- Atherosclerosis
- Hyperglycemia
•Major Risk Factors:
- Physical inactivity
- Atherogenic diet
- Adiposity / abdominal obesity

44. ATP III Clinical Identification of
the Metabolic Syndrome
•Waist circumference:
– Women>88 cm (>35 in)
•Triglycerides >150 mg/dL
•HDL cholesterol:
–Women<50 mg/dL
•Blood pressure 130/ 85 mm Hg
•Fasting glucose >110 mg/dL*
•New ADA guidelines suggest >100mg/dl increases risk for Metabolic Syndrome
•Presence of any 2 of 5 criterias required

45. Gross Appearance of Ovaries
•Polycystic ovaries are enlarged and
have a smooth thickened capsule that is
avascular
• On cut section, subcapsular follicles in various
stages of atresia are seen in the peripheral part
of the ovary
• The most striking ovarian features of PCOS is
hyperplasia of the theca stromal cells surrounding arrested follicles
• Microscopically luteinizing theca cells are seen

47. DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
AND
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS

48. Diagnosis
1.Hyperandrogenism
Laboratory features
Elevated total testosterone
Most values in PCOS <150 ng/dl (if >200 ng/dl, consider ovarian or
adrenal tumor)
Free testosterone assays not reliable yet
DHEA-S
Most normal or slightly high in PCOS
If >800 mcg/dl, consider adrenal tumor
LH/FSH ratio
Levels vary over menstrual cycle, released in pulsatile fashion,
affected by OCPs
LH/FSH ratio >2 has little diagnostic sensitivity and need not be
documented

49. Diagnosis
2. Oligoovulation or anovulation
Oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Infertility
30-50% 1
st
trimester miscarriage rate
3-fold increased risk endometrial carcinoma

50. Diagnosis
3.Polycystic Ovaries
Criteria by ultrasound
Increased ovarian area (>5.5 cm2) or volume (>11
ml) w/ presence of >12 follicles measuring 2-9 mm
in diameter
Polycystic ovaries not specific for PCOS
> 20% normal women have incidental
polycystic ovaries

51. Ultrasonic Criteria of PCOUltrasonic Criteria of PCO
•At least one of the following
–12 or more follicles measuring 2–9 mm in diameter
– increased ovarian volume (>10 cm
3
).
•If there is a follicle >10 mm in diameter, the scan
should be repeated at a time of ovarian quiescence
in order to calculate volume
•The presence of a single PCO is sufficient for
diagnosis
•The distribution of follicles and a description of the
stroma (volume & echogenicity) are not required for
diagnosis

52. USG IMAGE OF PCOS

53. Polycystic VS. Multicystic Ovaries
•Polycystic ovaries
–Bilateral
–At least 12 follicles
–Follicular diameter 2 -
9 mm
–Stroma increased
•Multicystic ovaries
–Bilateral
–Multiple cysts
–Cyst diameter usually >
10 mm
–Stroma not increased

54. OVARIAN ABNORMALITIES
•Thickened sclerotic cortex
•Multiple follicles in peripheral location
•80% of women with PCOS have classic
cysts

56. PEARLY WHITE SMOOTH ENLARGED AND
THICK WALLED OVARY ON LAPROSCOPY
( PCOS)

57. INFERTILITY
•Intermittent ovulation or anovulation
•Inherent ovarian disorder—studies show
reduced rated of conception despite
therapy with clomiphene citrate

58. Diagnosis
4. Absence of other disorders to account for these
symptoms.
Pregnancy  pregnancy test
Hypothyroidism  TSH
Hyperprolactinemia  prolactin
Late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia  17-
hydroxyprogesterone (r/o if <200 ng/dl)
Ovarian tumor  total testosterone (esp if >200
ng/dl)
–Adrenal tumor  DHEA-S (esp if > 800 mcg/dl)
–Cushing’s syndrome  salivary cortisol, 24 hr
urine cortisol

59. Diagnosis
5. Supportive of insulin resistance
“Syndrome XX”: 3 or more of the following criteria:
•Waist circumference > 88 cm
•Triglycerides > 150 mg/dl
•HDL <50 mg/dl
•BP > 130/85
•Fasting glucose >110 mg/dl
ACOG and ADA suggest screening all women w/ PCOS
for glucose intolerance, type 2 DM.
Oral glucose tolerance test more sensitive than fasting
glucose.
Personal or family history of DM
Acanthosis nigricans

60. Acanthosis Nigrans

61. Acne & Hirsutism

64. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
1.Hyperprolactinemia
–Prominent menstrual dysfunction
–Little hyperandrogenism
2. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
–morning serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone
concentration greater than 200 ng/dL in the early
follicular phase strongly suggests the diagnosis
–confirmed by a high dose (250 mcg) ACTH
stimulation test: post-ACTH serum 17-
hydroxyprogesterone value less than 1000 ng/dL

65. Androgens Level---
3. Ovarian and adrenal tumors
–serum testosterone concentrations are
always higher than 150 ng/dL
–adrenal tumors: serum DHEA-S
concentrations higher than 800 mcg/dL
–LOW serum LH concentrations
4. Cushing’s syndrome
5. Drugs: danazol; OCPs with high
androgenicity

66. TESTING
•Serum HCG
•Serum prolactin
•Thyroid panel
•FSH: r/o ovarian failure
•Serum luteinizing hormone (LH)—
elevated
•Serum estradiol—normal
• Serum estrone—elevated

67. TESTING
•Fasting glucose: elevated -->110mg / dl
•2 hour OGTT: elevated ---140-199mg/dl
•Ratio of fasting glucose(mmol/L) To fasting
insulin (mu/ L ) -- < 4.5 .
•Fasting insulin: elevated
•Free testosterone: elevated
•DHEA-S: normal
•17-hydroxyprogesterone: normal
•Pelvic US
•Lipids

68. TREATMENT

69. Women with PCOD (adolescent / unmarried)
1.The Report with---
•Menstrual problem.
•Acne .
•Obesity.
•Hersutism.
2. Their treatment—
*Modification in life style .
* Weight Reduction.
* Diet management.
* Hormone therapy

70. Management
–Immediate/Acute issues
–Hirsutism
–Regulation of menses
–Fertility issues
–Long-term issues
–Insulin resistance
–Cardiovascular risk
–Obstructive sleep apnea
–Malignancy risk

71. Diet and Exercise
•In patients with PCOS who are obese, endocrine-metabolic
parameters markedly improve after 4-12 weeks of dietary
restriction.
•Their SHBG levels rise and free testosterone levels fall by 2-fold.
•Serum insulin and IGF-1 levels also decrease.
•Weight loss in patients with PCOS who are obese is associated
with a reduction of hirsutism and a return of ovulatory cycles in
30% of women.
Moran LJ, Pasquali R, et all Treatment of obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome: a position statement of the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Society. Fertil Steril. Dec 3 2008;

72. Diet and Exercise
•A moderate amount of daily exercise increases of levels of IGF-1
binding protein and decreases IGF-1 levels by 20%.
•Modest weight loss of 2-5% of total body weight can help restore
ovulatory menstrual periods in obese patients with PCOS.
•A daily 500-1000 calorie deficit with 150 minutes of exercise per
week can cause ovulation.
•The Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society
recommends lifestyle management as the primary therapy in
overweight and obese women with PCOS for the treatment of
metabolic complications.
Moran LJ, Pasquali R, et all Treatment of obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome: a position statement of the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Society. Fertil Steril. Dec 3 2008;

74. Metformin
•This anti-diabetic drug improves insulin resistance and decreases
hyperinsulinemia in patients with PCOS.
•Metformin also has a small but beneficial effect on metabolic
syndrome. Ascertain that kidney and liver function are normal
and that the patient does not have advanced congestive heart
failure before starting metformin.
•The usual starting dose is 500 mg given orally twice a day.
•Inform patients that they have a high likelihood of having
ovulatory cycles while taking metformin.
•The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved
metformin for this indication; therefore, this use is off label
Lord JM, Flight IH, Norman RJ. Metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome: systematic review and meta-
analysis. BMJ. Oct 25 2003;327(7421):951-3. [Medline].

75. •Metformin
–will restore ovulation and menses in > 50%
of patients
–Treat with cyclic progestin to reduce
endometrial hyperplasia if regular menses
not attained
•10 mg for 7 to 10 days every two to four
months

76. METFORMIN
•Decreases hepatic glucose production
•Reduces need for insulin secretion
•Improves insulin sensitivity (increases
peripheral glucose uptake and
utilization)
•Antilipolytic effect—reduces fatty acid
concentrations and reduces
gluconeogenesis

77. Metformin and Anovulation
•Evidence suggests that metformin frequently—but not
universally—improves ovulation rates in women with
PCOS.
•In addition, pretreatment with metformin has been
shown to enhance the efficacy of clomiphene for
inducing ovulation.
•Whether short-course metformin pretreatment (less
than 4 weeks) is as effective as conventional long-
course metformin remains uncertain.
•N-acetylcysteine may also enhance the effect of
clomiphene.

78. METFORMIN DOSING
•Target—1500-2550 mg per day
•Clinically significant responses not
regularly observed at doses less than
1000 mg per day
•Extended release formulations—fewer
side-effects. Entire dose should be
given with dinner

79. Guidelines: Metformin
•Consideration of metformin therapy as the initial
intervention in most women with PCOS, particularly
in those who are overweight or obese.
•Metformin improves many metabolic abnormalities in
PCOS and may improve menstrual cyclicity and the
potential for pregnancy.
•Of note, metformin has not been approved by the US
Food and Drug Administration for use in PCOS,
although abundant medical literature supports its
efficacy.

80. SIDE EFFECTS
•Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence,
indigestion, abdominal discomfort
–Caused by lactic acid in the bowel wall
–Minimized by slow increase in dosage
•Lactic acidosis—rare
–Avoid in CHF, renal insufficiency, sepsis
–Discontinue for procedures using contrast
(withhold X 48 hours)
–Temporarily suspend for all surgical procedures
that involve fluid restriction
–Cimetidine causes increased metformin levels

81. Hormone therapy for Adolescent Patients
•Combined OCPs containing ---estrogen and Progesterone given
cyclically help in controlling menstrual problem , hirsutism, acne,
and extra weight.
•Estrogen salt used is- --- Ethinylestradiol in the dose 0f 20/ 30 ug /
day.
•Progeserones used are of many types and they have variable
effect on Acne, weight , hirsutism, and menstrual with drawl
bleeding also and have variable adverse side effect; to be
considered when prescribing OCPs.

82. Pharmacological Profile of natural progesterone and
other synthetic progestrogens
Drug Progestrongic
activity
Anti androgenic
activity
Antimenraocorti
coid activity
Glucocorticoid
activity
Progestrone( Nat
Ural + ( + ) + -
Drosperinone + + + -
Cyproteron
Acetate
+ + - ( + )
Desogestrel + - - -
Dienogest + + - -
Gestodene + - ( + ) -
Levonorgestrel + - - -
Norgestimate + - - -
+ Effct (+) negligible - No effct

83. Advantages of Drospirenone over other
Progesterogens
1. Counter acts water retension due to its anti mineralocorticoid
activity.
2. 78% patient loose weight or remained same ( 105 lost >1kg , 24%
lost < 1kg , 44% wt did not change.
3. Nearly half of Patients having skin Problem as acne / Hirsuitism or
both report improvement ( 74%). It is due to its antiandrogenic activity.
4. women having Premenstrual symptoms also have significant relief.
Source—Gynaecology -2002 Vol 7 No 1: 23-26

84. Management:
Control of hirsutism
Medical (need a trial of 6-12 months before deemed ineffective)
–Decrease testosterone production (predominantly from ovary)
»OCPs (improvement scores 33%)
-Increase SHBG
»Lifestyle modification/weight loss
»Metformin (improvement scores 10-13%)
»Glucocorticoids?
-Theory: ACTH stimulates adrenal androgen synthesis. So,
suppress ACTH via glucocorticoids.
-Study by Vanky, et al- dexamethasone 0.25 mg/day vs placebo
—reduction in testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA-S by 25-
50%. No significant change in BMI, glucose, insulin, lipids
-problematic

85. Management:
Control of hirsutism (cont’d)
•Decrease testosterone action
–Antiandrogens
»Spironolactone (start 50 mg bid  100 mg bid)
-Reduction in hirsutism 45%
-Preferred use w/ OCPs, 75% response
»Drospirenone (analogue of spironolactone, approved in
Yasmin)
»5α-reductase inhibitors (ex. Finasteride)
–Lifestyle modification/weight loss
–Metformin

86. Management:
Control of hirsutism
•Mechanical
–Plucking/shaving/electrolysis/laser
–Vaniqa cream (eflornithine hydrochloride 13.9%)
»Mechanism: slows growth of hair by inhibiting L-
ornithine decarboxylase (enzyme involved in hair
growth)
»58% demonstrated some improvement in hair growth vs
32% with placebo
»Hair growth rates return to normal 8 wks off therapy
»Not covered by most insurance policies

87. Hirsutism
•Mechanical hair removal
•Vaniqa (eflornithine hydrochloride)
•OCPs with minimal androgenicity
•OCP plus antiandrogen (spironolactone)
•Spironolactone, 50-200 mg per day
•Flutamide
–Potential hepatic dysfunction

88. Hirsutism
•Spironolactone:
–Antiandrogens, such as spironolactone, are
effective for hirsutism.
–Spironolactone 50-100 mg twice daily is an
effective primary therapy for hirsutism.
–Because of the potential teratogenic effects
of spironolactone, patients require an effective
form of contraception (eg, an oral contraceptive).
–Adverse effects of spironolactone include GI
discomfort, and irregular menstrual bleeding
(which can be managed by adding an oral
contraceptive).

89. Management:
•Regulation of menses
•Oral contraceptives
•Periodic progesterone withdrawal
–Medroxyprogesterone 10 mg/day x 7-10 days,
every 3 months (approx 4 menses annually)
•Lifestyle modification/weight loss
•Metformin- ie., hitting the “root cause”
–500-1000 mg bid, 6 month trial reasonable for
improvement of menses

90. Oligomenorrhea
•Combination estrogen-progestin pill first
line when fertility is not desired
–Decrease in LH secretion and decrease in
androgen production
–Increase in hepatic production of sex-
hormone binding globulin
–Decreased bioavailablity of testosterone
–Decreased adrenal androgen secretion
–Regular withdrawal bleeds
–Prevention of endometrial hyperplasia

91. Management:
•Fertility issues
–Lifestyle modification/weight loss
•Loss of >5% body wt, calorie-restricted diet, and
exercise associated with improvement in spontaneous
pregnancy rates (7.5-15% improvement)
–Clomiphene citrate
–Most women with PCOS do not respond to normal dose—
20% ovulation rate!

92. Management
•Fertility issues (cont’d)
–Metformin
–OR 3.88 in achieving fertility (compared to
placebo), 4.4 (for metformin+clomiphene compared
to clomiphene alone)
–Improved outcomes with in vitro fertilization
(reduced risk of ovarian hyperstimulation when
treated with FSH)
–Reduction in 1st trimester spontaneous abortions
–Thiazolidinediones
•Early studies w/ rosiglitazone prior to
conception  30% improvement in fertility
rates.

93. TREATMENT—no fertility desired
•Monophasic antiandrogenic OCP
–ON 1/35 (norethindrone)
–Orthocyclen (norgestimate)
–Desogen or Orthocept (desogestrel)
–Yasmin

94. INFERTILITY TREATMENT
•Metformin
–500 mg daily
– Increase by 500 mg each week until:
•Normal menses
•Reached max dose
•Side-effects
•Clomid
–50 mg days 3-7 for 3 months
–100 mg days 3-7 for 3 months

95. Infertility
•Weight loss—reduction in serum testosterone
concentration and resumption of ovulation
•Clomid: 80% will ovulate, 50% will conceive
•Metformin: when added to clomid, improves
ovulatory rates
•FSH injections
•Laparoscopic surgery: wedge resections,
laparoscopic ovarian laser electrocautery
•IVF

96. Clomid Challenge Test
•Day 3 FSH and estradiol levels
•100 mg of Clomid on cycle days 5-9
•Day 10 FSH levels
•The test is abnormal if either the day 3
or day 10 FSH values are elevated
(greater than 10) or if the day 3 estradiol
is greater than 80

97. Surgical Management
•Aimed mainly at restoring ovulation.
•Ovarian wedge resection: This procedure has fallen out of favor
because of postoperative adhesion formation and the introduction
of ovulation-inducing medications.
•Laparoscopic surgery: Various laparoscopic methods, including
electrocautery, laser drilling, and multiple biopsy, have been used
with the goal of creating focal areas of damage in the ovarian
cortex and stroma.
–Potential complications include formation of adhesions and ovarian atrophy.
–Multiple pregnancy rates are lower with ovarian drilling than with
gonadotrophin treatment (1% versus 16%), but there are ongoing concerns
about the long-term effects on ovarian function.
28

98. LAPROSCOPIC DRILLING OF OVARY (IN PCOD)

99. Management:
Long-Term Issues
•Insulin resistance
–Metformin
•Function
–Lowers hepatic glucose production by reducing
gluconeogenesis
–Increases peripheral glucose uptake by skeletal muscle
and adipose tissue
–Reduces intestinal glucose absorption
•Outcomes
–Estimated 31% reduction in development of type II DM
over mean period 3 years
–Taken during pregnancy, reduction in gestational
diabetes and major fetal complications

100. Management:
Long-Term Issues
•Insulin resistance
–Thiazolidinediones
•Function
–Selective ligands of the nuclear transcription PPARγ,
expressed in adipose tissue, pancreatic beta cells,
vascular endothelium, macrophages, HPO axis.
–“fatty acid steal” hypothesis
»Promote fatty acid uptake and storage in adipose
tissue, sparing other tissues (muscle, liver) from
harmful metabolic effects of free fatty acids (high
levels in PCOS)
–Increased expression of adiponectin (adipocytokine with
an insulin sensitivity effect)
–Decreased expression of 11β-hydroxysteroid
dehydrogenase type 1 (enzyme converts inactive
cortisone to active cortisol)
•Outcomes

101. Management:
Long-Term Issues
•Cardiovascular Risk
–Increased prevalence of HTN
–Dyslipidemia (↑ TG, ↓ HDL, ↑ LDL)
–Predisposition to macrovascular disease and thrombosis

102. Management:
Long-Term Issues
•Obstructive Sleep Apnea
–30-fold increased risk of OSA, not
explained by obesity alone.
–Insulin resistance strongest predictor of
OSA (not BMI, age, testosterone)
–Consider polysomnography if at risk

103. Management:
Long-Term Issues
•Risk for malignancy
–3 fold increased risk endometrial
carcinoma in PCOS
–Increased risk of ovarian and breast
cancer
–Warrants regular screening, low threshold
for endometrial biopsy

105. Other issues
Role of epilepsy?
–Increased incidence of reproductive
disorders in patients with epilepsy
–Pts on valproic acid may have higher
levels of insulin, testosterone, and TG

106. New things on the horizon…
•Somatostatin analogs
–Function
•Blunts LH response to GnRH
•Decreases GH secretion by pituitary
•Inhibits pancreatic insulin release
–Outcomes: limited studies
•7 d administration octreotide in PCOS women 
decreased fasting and glucose-stimulated insulin levels
•Reduced LH, androgen, IGF-1 levels
•Short half-life (80-110 min) requiring multiple injections
•Extended release octreotide (octreotide-LAR)- inject IM
Q28 days- results in improvement in GH, insulin, IGF-1,
hirsutism
•Not approved yet

107. RCOG
Guidelines
(May 2003)
Evidence based
guidelines for reduction
of long-term PCOS
consequences

108. Guidelines (RCOG, May 2003)
•Patients presenting with PCOS particularly if they are
obese, should be offered measurement of fasting blood
glucose and urine analysis for glycosuria. Abnormal
results should be investigated by a glucose tolerance
test.

•Such patients are at increased risk of developing type
II diabetes
•Women who have been diagnosed as having PCOS
before pregnancy (eg those requiring ovulation
induction for conception) should be screened for
gestational diabetes in early pregnancy, with referral
to a specialized obstetric diabetic service if
abnormalities are detected

109. Guidelines (RCOG, May 2003)
•Measurement of fasting cholesterol, lipids and
triglycerides should be offered to patients with PCOS,
since early detection of abnormal levels might
encourage improvement in diet and exercise.
•Olig- and amenorrhoeic women with PCOS may
develop endometrial hyperplasia and later carcinoma.
It is good practice to recommend treatment with
progestogens to induce withdrawal bleed at least every
3-4 months.
•4-

110. Guidelines (RCOG, May 2003)
•A body of evidence has accumulated demonstrating
safety and in some studies efficacy of insulin-
sensitizing agents in the management of short-term
complications of PCOS, particularly anovulation.
•Long-term use of these agents for avoidance of
metabolic complications of PCOS can not as yet be
recommended .
•No clear consensus has yet emerged concerned regular
screening of women with PCOS for later development
of diabetes and dyslipidemia but obese women with a
strong family history of cardiac disease or diabetes
should be assessed regularly.
•6-

111. Guidelines (RCOG, May 2003)
•Young women diagnosed with PCOS
should be informed of the possible long-
term risks to health that are associated
with their condition.
•They should be advised regarding
weight and exercise.

112. AACE POSITION
STATEMENT
2005

113. Guidelines-2005
•Well-defined published data indicate a high risk for
development of T2DM and CVD in women with
PCOS.
•In view of the lack of protective effect of female sex
on CVD risk in patients with diabetes, the associated
risks of CVD are magnified in women with diabetes
who have PCOS.
•Clearly, this situation means that PCOS is a general
health disorder of young women, with potential for
reversal of some of the associated risk with early
diagnosis and treatment.

114. Guidelines-2005
•Lifestyle modification with weight loss and exercise,
avoidance of tobacco, correction of lipid
abnormalities, and use of metformin may be of value.
•Metformin therapy not only reduces hyperinsulinism
and improves steroidogenic dysfunction but also is
helpful in achieving better regularity of menses and
fertility potential.

•Thiazolidinediones have also been shown to decrease
androgen levels, improve ovulation, and reduce
progression to overt T2DM in patients with PCOS and
IGT.

115. Guidelines-2005
•Early recognition of the syndrome.
•Lifestyle modification, with emphasis on the need for
controlled eating patterns and regular aerobic exercise.
•Encouragement should be offered by an empathic
physician, who will monitor the patient carefully
during the course of treatment.
•Measurement of glucose (and possibly insulin levels).
An oral glucose challenge may be considered,
particularly in obese women with PCOS and those
with a family history of T2DM.

116. Guidelines: Lipids and BP
•Detection and treatment of lipid abnormalities, with
dietary measures first and then use of appropriate
medications, such as a statin, fibrate, niacin, or
ezetimibe (or some combination of these agents), as
necessary.
•Careful attention to and treatment of blood pressure
abnormalities.
•Measurement of atherogenic markers (C-reactive
protein [CRP], fibrinogen, and possibly
homocysteine).

117. Guidelines: OC and Anti-Androgen
•The use of a nonandrogenic oral contraceptive agent
and an antiandrogen such as spironolactone for the
skin manifestations of PCOS.
•The presence of hair thinning requires the maximal
dose of spironolactone in conjunction with an oral
contraceptive agent.
•Ancillary use of electrolysis and laser therapy may
also be helpful.

118. Guidelines: TZD
•The use of these agents to improve
hyperandrogenism and ovulation is
considered only investigational at this
time.
•Thiazolidinediones are category C
drugs; their use is contraindicated during
pregnancy.

119. RECOMMENDATIONS
ACOG 2009

120. Grades of Recommendations
•A- Requires at least one randomized controlled trial
as part of a body of literature of overall good quality
and consistency addressing the specific
recommendation. (Evidence levels Ia, Ib)
•B- Requires the availability of well controlled clinical
studies but no randomized clinical trials on the topic
of recommendations (Evidence levels IIa, IIb, III)
•C- Requires evidence obtained from expert committee
reports or opinions and/ or clinical experiences of
respected authorities. Indicates an absence of directly
applicable clinical studies of good quality. (Evidence
level IV)

121. The following recommendations and conclusions are based on
good and consistent scientific evidence (Level A):
•An increase in exercise combined with dietary change has
consistently been shown to reduce diabetes risk comparable to or
better than medication.
•Improving insulin sensitivity with insulin-sensitizing agents is
associated with a decrease in circulating androgen levels,
improved ovulation rate, and improved glucose tolerance.
•The recommended first-line treatment for ovulation induction
remains the antiestrogen clomiphene citrate.
•The addition of eflornithine to laser treatment is superior in the
treatment of hirsutism than laser alone.

122. The following recommendations and conclusions are based
on limited and inconsistent scientific evidence (Level B):
•Women with a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
should be screened for type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose
tolerance with a fasting glucose level followed by a 2-hour
glucose level after a 75-g glucose load.
•Women with PCOS should be screened for cardiovascular risk
by determination of body mass index (BMI), fasting lipid and
lipoprotein levels, and metabolic syndrome risk factors.
•Reduction in body weight has been associated with improved
pregnancy rates and decreased hirsutism, as well as
improvements in glucose tolerance and lipid levels.
•There may be an increase in pregnancy rates by adding
clomiphene to metformin, particularly in obese women
with PCOS.
•If clomiphene citrate use fails to result in pregnancy, the
recommended second-line intervention is either exogenous
gonadotropins or laparoscopic ovarian surgery.

123. The following recommendations and conclusions are based
primarily on consensus and expert opinion (Level C):
•Combination low-dose hormonal contraceptives are most
frequently used for long-term management and are recommended
as the primary treatment of menstrual disorders.
•Women in groups at higher risk for nonclassical congenital
adrenal hyperplasia and a suspected diagnosis of PCOS should
be screened to assess the 17- hydroxyprogesterone value.
•A low-dose regimen is recommended when using gonadotropins
in women with PCOS.
•There is no clear primary treatment for hirsutism in PCOS.

124. Doctor’s MESSAGE TO THE YOUNG GIRLS
During early school age , at the time of health education girls
should be advised to adopt healthy life style in the form of
balanced diet having locally available food articles like all
cereals, pulses, beans, green leafy vegetables, seasonal
fruits , jaggery and dairy products in appropriate amount.
Monotonous diet should be avoided as it will cause nutritional
deficiencies.
Under the effect of advertisement in TV and print media , they
should avoid to become crazy to soft cold drinks, chocolates
and junk food.
They should be advised to play out door games and regular
physical exercise like cycling, skipping, jogging and running
/ swimming etc.
This will go long way to prepare a girl to let her develop in a
perfect adolescent with minimal menstrual dysfunction..