Ovarian Cysts Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ovarian Cysts, including details on causes, treatment, symptoms, infertility.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and pregnancy outcome: red herring or red flag?

Siassakos D, Wardle P

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility clinic, Cotswold Centre, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK. jsiasakos@hotmail.com

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women, associated with a characteristic ovarian appearance at ultrasound scan, hyperandrogenism, and ovulatory disorders. The pathogenesis appears to be mainly related to reduced insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, leading to hyperinsulinaemia. There is a wide variation in the severity of PCOS symptoms. Women with PCOS are believed to be predisposed to a variety of complications in pregnancy. We present a summary of the evidence surrounding these claims and discuss the weaknesses of the available to date studies.

Published 19 July 2007 in BJOG, 114(8): 922-32.
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