PCOS, depression, and alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder characterized primarily by insulin resistance (IR), as well as hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation [1]. PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders occurring in reproductive-aged women, with an estimated prevalence of between 4 and 6% [2]. Standard PCOS treatment entails insulin-sensitizing medications, such as biguanides (e.g., metformin) or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) agonists (e.g., rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, and troglitazone) which generally results in improved metabolic and reproductive function in women with PCOS [3]. Depressive disorders are among the most common psychiatric diagnosis in America [4], and data indicate that women have double the lifetime risk of depression compared to men [4-7]. Mood disorders are the leading cause of disability among women aged 15-44 [8]. © 2009 Springer-Verlag US.