Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the single most common endocrinologic abnormality of women, affecting approximately 1 in 10-to 15 women of reproductive age. It is also the most frequent cause of oligo-ovulatory infertility. PCOS patients demonstrate androgenic symptoms including hirsutism, alopecia, and acne. Furthermore, patients with PCOS are at significant risk for developing diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and possibly cardiovascular disease. It is estimated that the healthcare cost exceeds four billion dollars annually in the United States alone, not even accounting for the significant negative effect this disorder has on quality of life.

Patients with PCOS are seen by a variety of specialists, depending on needs, including reproductive, medical, and pediatric endocrinologists; gynecologists; general internists; and dermatologists. This text reviews the latest concepts in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the this pervasive and significant disorder, a clear and focused manner.

In this concise volume, Dr. Azziz has integrated current clinical knowledge with principles of fundamental genetics and cell biology of polycystic ovary syndrome - a commonly encountered clinical entity.This book will assist clinicians treating this serious and often distressing disorder afflicting so many women in terms of quality of life,fertility and systemic wellbeing.The chapters also provide useful insights for researchers studying mechanisms for pathogenesis of the disorder,and those unraveling novel therapeutic approaches. Ultimately,women with this metabolic and reproductive disorder will benefit from the knowledge which this group of expert authors bring to publication in this text.

Shlomo Melmed, M.D.

Series Editor

Endocrine Updates

Autorentext

Dr. Azziz is President and member of the Board of Directors of the Society of Reproductive Surgeons and a past member of the Board of Directors of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and The Society of Reproductive Endocrinologists. He is also a member of the Endocrine Society and The Society for Gynecologic Investigation, among others. He serves as Executive Director of the Androgen Excess Society, of which he is also a founding member.

Zusammenfassung

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a classic female infertility problem affecting an estimated 6-10% of all women and many of whom are unaware of the problem. PCOS is the single most common endrocrinologic abnormality that affects women. It is a disease that affects women from adolescence to menopause. Patients with PCOS are seen by a variety of specialists, including: reproductive, medical and pediatric endocrinologists; general internists, and dermatologists.

This book is an edited collection from diagnosis and epidemiology of PCOS to clinical evaluation. There are additional factors that complicate this disease, such as insulin levels and obesity. Women with PCOS are known to be at a high risk for type 2 diabetes.

Inhalt
Definition, Diagnosis, and Epidemiology of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Clinical Evaluation of PCOS.- Genetics of PCOS.- Insulin Action in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: In Vivo and In Vitro.- Ovarian Steroidogenic Abnormalities in PCOS.- Role of Obesity and Adiposity in PCOS.- Strategies for Ovulation Induction in the Management of Anovulatory Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Long-Term Morbidity of PCOS.