Current procedures for managing polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common disorder, affecting 6–10% of women of reproductive age. Beyond the cosmetic issue of hyperandrogenic manifestations, it is a disabling syndrome that causes infertility and implicates potential serious long-term metabolic risks for these women. Polycystic ovary syndrome is, thus, an important public health problem that should be managed globally and not only for short-term complaints. With regard to this, lifestyle interventions and insulin sensitizers may be more appropriate treatments for the disease because they directly target the pathophysiology of the disease and, therefore, improve both ovarian dysfunctions and metabolic consequences of the syndrome. However, other interventions are probably more effective and, more rapidly so, for treating clinical manifestations than insulin sensitizers, but could be used in combination in most cases. This review discusses current treatment options for women with polycystic ovary syndrome and explores pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment avenues, with special attention to hyperandrogenism and infertility management.