Understanding the Relationship between Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Dyslipidemia

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogenous disorder characterized by signs and symptom of androgen excess and ovarian dysfunction in the absence of other diagnosis, with a prevalence of ~6%-~20%. The aetiology of PCOS can either be unknown (primary) or originating from identifiable causes (secondary) like obesity, idiopathic hirsutism, epilepsy, androgen-secreting tumors etc. Weight gain especially around the stomach, missed, irregular or light menstruations, hyperandrogenism, infertility can serve as indicators for PCOS. This review is aimed at examining the relationship that exists between PCOS and dyslipidemia. With a prevalence report of about 70%, dyslipidemia, is related to PCOS, and its causes are multifactorial with many cases being undiagnosed due to different diagnostics criteria for PCOS. Studies revealed that women with PCOS showed increased levels of LDL-cholesterol, VLD Lipoprotein, ApoC-I, lipoprotein (a), decreased levels of HDL-cholesterol and ApoA-I while ApoB. Psychophysiology in dyslipidemia in PCOS include: obesity, hyperandrogenism. Insulin resistance. Diagnostic measures include: complete lipid profile test, pelvic ultrasound and transvaginal scan, hormone tests, glucose and insulin tolerance test, etc. There is no known cure of PCOS reported yet but there are different options on management which include lifestyle change, use of statin drugs if lifestyle modifications do not work, use of androgen inhibiting drugs and metformin might help. It is important and more advisable for the age range for PCOS testing to be reduced to accommodate females just entering puberty.