AACE hyperandrogenism guidelines

Association between insulin resistance and abnormal menstrual cycle in Chinese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disorder, which is characterized by insulin resistance (IR) and menstrual cycle disorders. IR is thought of as a pivotal cause of PCOS and related comorbidities. However, the link between IR and abnormal menstrual cycles in PCOS should be further studied. In this study, we clarified the dose-response relationship between IR and abnormal menstrual cycles in patients with PCOS.

RESULTS

In this retrospective study including 140 patients with PCOS, we found that there was a dose-response relationship between the increased HOMA-IR index and the level of menstrual cycle disorders (1.61 [95%CI: 1.37-1.85] for normal menstruation, 2.02 [95%CI: 1.61-2.44] for oligomenorrhea, 2.35 [95%CI:1.96-2.75] for amenorrhea, P for trend = 0.003). Further stratification analyses showed that this dose-response relationship was more evident in the patients who were younger, had higher BMI, higher AFC numbers, elevated levels of testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone, inhibin B, and prolactin levels, and had a lower progestogen level.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has established an association between IR and abnormal menstrual cycles in patients with PCOS, which can be affected by age, BMI, and hormone levels. Our results might be helpful for further prevention and treatment of amenorrhea in PCOS.

The experience of women affected by polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study from iran

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common chronic endocrine disorder. It has significant and diverse clinical consequences including reproductive, metabolic, and psychological morbidities as well as predisposition to malignancies. It is unclear how women with PCOS experience symptoms of this syndrome.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to clarify the dimensions and components of quality of life in iranian women with PCOS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study was a qualitative study to explore and document perceptions of women with PCOS about their disorder and quality of life. Semi-structured interviews with open ended questions were conducted with 23 women with PCOS. The interviews were continued to reach data saturation. The study was conducted in the Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. All the interviews were recorded and transcribed. Constant comparative analysis of the data was conducted manually according to the Strauss and Corbin analysis method.

RESULTS

The study revealed that the most important factors affecting quality of life in women with PCOS were the role functioning items as well as physical, mental, emotional, cognitive, and social dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive cares concerning various mental, emotional, cognitive, and social dimensions of quality of life should be planned for women with PCOS.

The Lived Experience of Women Diagnosed With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To uncover the meaning of living with polycystic ovary syndrome.

DESIGN

Phenomenology.

SETTING

A women's health care practice in northeast United States.

PARTICIPANTS

A purposive sample consisting of 12 women, ages 21 to 48 years, who had been previously diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome.

DATA COLLECTION

Semistructured interviews.

RESULTS

Analysis of the participants' responses revealed the following themes: (a) identifying differences, (b) wanting to be normal, (c) searching for answers, (d) gaining control, (e) attempting to achieve femininity, (f) letting go of guilt, and (g) dealing with it.

CONCLUSIONS

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a syndrome that impacts women both physically and psychosocially. Nurses can play a key role in assisting women afflicted with this hormonal disturbance through education and support.