Publication

[Polycystic ovary syndrome--only relevant in reproductive medicine?]

Journal Paper/Review - May 1, 1999

Units
PubMed

Citation
Heim S, De Geyter C, Siegrist W, Bilz S, Keller U. [Polycystic ovary syndrome--only relevant in reproductive medicine?]. Therapeutische Umschau. Revue thérapeutique 1999; 56:271-5.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (Deutsch)
Journal
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue thérapeutique 1999; 56
Publication Date
May 1, 1999
Issn Print
0040-5930
Pages
271-5
Brief description/objective

The Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women with a prevalence of 5%. Affected women often consult a gynecologist because of menstrual irregularities, fertility problems or problems of androgen excess. However, PCOD is a metabolic disorder affecting multiple organs. Studies suggest that those women are at risk for developing several complications such as type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia and myocardial infarction. The risk to develop endometrial carcinoma is also elevated. To give adequate treatment to women with PCOD, an interdisciplinary approach of gynecologists together with endocrinologists specialized in metabolic and nutritional disorders at the University of Basel is presented. The work-up for diagnosis and assessment of risk factors is outlined. Goal of this interdisciplinary approach is an adequate evaluation of affected patients and their long-term follow-up to test if proposed interventions as weight loss, treatment of hyperinsulinemia, regulation of menstrual cycle and others can avoid long-term sequelae.