Biochemical Features of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

The polycystic ovary syndrome encompasses hyperandrogenism as the central biochemical disturbance, which has internal effects on ovarian function and metabolism and external manifestations on the skin. Ovarian dysfunction is associated with erratic menses and anovulation, and the ovaries have a characteristic morphological appearance. Hyperinsulinemia amplifies hyperandrogenism and is associated with both increasing body weight and worsening ovarian function. Within the ovary there are disturbances of steroid and nonsteroidal hormone production, which influence ovarian activity and feedback to the pituitary, where hypersecretion of luteinizing hormone is the major abnormality---itself affected by hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulsatility.