Is PCOS An Early Manifestation of the Metabolic Syndrome? A Review Article with Latest Updates in the Laboratory Diagnosis, Prevention and Management

Background- Metabolic syndrome is a heterogeneous group of metabolic disorders which include mainly abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, impaired glucose metabolism, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Main clinical manifestations of PCOS are irregular menstruation, infertility hyperandrog -enism and hirsutism. Discussion- Many patients with PCOS also have features of metabolic syndrome, and are at increased risk of Type 2 DM, CAD, CVD and endometrial cancer. Increased awareness of this overlap advocates therapies that improve insulin resistance and often ameliorate PCOS symptoms. As national attention is focused on the emerging epidemic of type 2 diabetes and obesity, more energy is being directed toward earlier detection, improved therapies, and potential prevention. Summary- The aim of this review is to provide clear and up to date information about PCOS and its relationship with metabolic syndrome, and the possible interaction between different metabolic disorders.