Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: From Contraception to Hormone Replacement Therapy

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease based on a combination of various endocrine impairments. The use of hormonal treatments permits the aesthetic disturbances to be counteracted (acne, hirsutism, alopecia), but greater attention has to be given to insulin resistance, which may induce more severe diseases, such as diabetes. The use of oral contraceptives is helpful, but a lifestyle change is considered essential so as to improve the natural ability to resist disease affecting the circulation and metabolism. When the menopausal transition starts, greater attention is given to those PCOS patients who demonstrated insulin resistance during their fertile life. The use of hormone replacement therapy is often suggested as it has been proven to be beneficial.