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Previous Volume 352:1223-1236 March 24, 2005 Number 12 Next

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In 1935, Stein and Leventhal published a paper on their findings in seven women with amenorrhea, hirsutism, obesity, and a characteristic polycystic appearance to their ovaries — one of the first descriptions of a complex phenotype today known as the polycystic ovary syndrome.¹ Insight into the pathogenesis and treatment of the polycystic ovary syndrome has increased substantially in the decade since this topic was last addressed in the Journal.² The condition is now well recognized as having a major effect throughout life on the reproductive, metabolic, and cardiovascular health of affected women. This review addresses current knowledge regarding the . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Definition and Differential Diagnosis

Pathogenesis

The Role of Genetic and Environmental Factors

Metabolic, Cardiovascular, and Other Clinical Components

Obesity

Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Type 2 Diabetes

Hypertension and Vascular Dysfunction

Coronary and Other Vascular Disease

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Association with Cancer

Treatment

Cutaneous Manifestations of Androgen Excess: Hirsutism and Acne

            Oral Contraceptives

            Antiandrogens

            Glucocorticoids

            Other Agents

Management of Oligomenorrhea and Amenorrhea

Insulin Resistance and Glucose Intolerance

Controversies

Summary

Source Information

From the University of Chicago, Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Chicago.

Address reprint requests to Dr. Ehrmann at 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Mail Code 1027, Chicago, IL 60637, or at dehrmann@uchicago.edu.

Related Letters:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Braillon A., Mascitelli L., Pezzetta F., Mikhail E., Cope D., Ehrmann D. A.
Extract | Full Text | PDF  
N Engl J Med 2005; 352:2756-2757, Jun 30, 2005. Correspondence

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