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Aksun S, Sonu NC, Aygun S, Karakulak UN, Mumusoglu S, Yildiz BO. Alterations of cardiometabolic risk profile in polycystic ovary syndrome: 13 years follow-up in an unselected population. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:1129-1137. [PMID: 37930586 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cardiometabolic risk factors are common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during reproductive years. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of aging on cardiometabolic risk of the syndrome by examining women who had previously been diagnosed to have PCOS or to be healthy in an unselected population in 2009. PARTICIPANTS Forty-one women with PCOS who were diagnosed and phenotyped according to the Rotterdam criteria and 43 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy women from the same unselected cohort. METHODS All participants were evaluated by structured interview, physical examination, anthropometric, hormonal and biochemical measurements. Additionally, body composition analyses and echocardiographic assessments of 30 women with PCOS and 30 control women were conducted at 13 years of follow-up. RESULTS There was no difference between the patient and the control groups in terms of anthropometric and body composition measures and metabolic parameters. Echocardiographic assessment showed similar systolic functions, strain measurements and epicardial fat measurements between the groups. PCOS patients still had higher levels of total testosterone, free androgen index (FAI) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels compared to controls. Epicardial fat thickness showed positive correlations with BMI, total and truncal body fat, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and free androgen index (FAI). CONCLUSIONS Aging women with PCOS in the population have higher androgen levels and similar cardiometabolic risk profile compared to age- and BMI-matched healthy women. Epicardial fat thickness, a marker of cardiometabolic risk, appear to be associated with hyperandrogenism. Further research is needed on larger community-based cohorts where older patients are assessed with a longer follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Aksun
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Sihhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - N C Sonu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - S Aygun
- Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - U N Karakulak
- Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - S Mumusoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - B O Yildiz
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Sihhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
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Hirschberg AL. Hyperandrogenism and Cardiometabolic Risk in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women-What Is the Evidence? J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:1202-1213. [PMID: 37886900 PMCID: PMC11031217 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Hyperandrogenism in women, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian hyperthecosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and androgen-secreting tumors, are all associated with increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors that include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. However, it is not clear whether this also implies enhanced risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Furthermore, the involvement of obesity and menopausal status for cardiometabolic risk in these women has not been elucidated. Based on the most recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses, this review summarizes the latest scientific evidence. To conclude, hyperandrogenism in premenopausal women is associated with enhanced prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, as well as increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, independently of body mass index. In contrast, elevated cardiovascular risk factors and increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in hyperandrogenic postmenopausal women are dependent on obesity. Furthermore, the overall risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease in hyperandrogenic postmenopausal women is similar to controls. The reason for a reduced cardiometabolic risk after menopause in hyperandrogenic women compared to nonhyperandrogenic women is not clear. It can be speculated that the difference in endocrine balance and metabolic status between women with and without hyperandrogenism might decrease after menopause because hyperandrogenism usually improves with age, whereas menopausal transition itself is associated with androgen dominance and abdominal obesity. Although we have gained increased knowledge about cardiometabolic risks in women with hyperandrogenism, it must be acknowledged that the quality of data is overall low. More research is needed, especially longer and larger follow-up studies in women with hyperandrogenism of different etiologies and phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
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Millán-de-Meer M, Luque-Ramírez M, Nattero-Chávez L, Escobar-Morreale HF. PCOS during the menopausal transition and after menopause: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:741-772. [PMID: 37353908 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current knowledge about the consequences of PCOS during the late reproductive years and after menopause is limited. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of data on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of women ≥45 years of age-peri- or postmenopausal-with PCOS. SEARCH METHODS Studies published up to 15 April 2023, identified by Entrez-PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus online facilities, were considered. We included cross-sectional or prospective studies that reported data from peri- or postmenopausal patients with PCOS and control women with a mean age ≥45 years. Three independent researchers performed data extraction. Meta-analyses of quantitative data used random-effects models because of the heterogeneity derived from differences in study design and criteria used to define PCOS, among other confounding factors. Sensitivity analyses restricted the meta-analyses to population-based studies, to studies including only patients diagnosed using the most widely accepted definitions of PCOS, only menopausal women or only women not submitted to ovarian surgery, and studies in which patients and controls presented with similar indexes of weight excess. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system. OUTCOMES The initial search identified 1400 articles, and another six were included from the reference lists of included articles; 476 duplicates were deleted. We excluded 868 articles for different reasons, leaving 37 valid studies for the qualitative synthesis, of which 28 studies-published in 41 articles-were considered for the quantitative synthesis and meta-analyses. Another nine studies were included only in the qualitative analyses. Compared with controls, peri- and postmenopausal patients with PCOS presented increased circulating total testosterone (standardized mean difference, SMD 0.78 (0.35, 1.22)), free androgen index (SMD 1.29 (0.89, 1.68)), and androstenedione (SMD 0.58 (0.23, 0.94)), whereas their sex hormone-binding globulin was reduced (SMD -0.60 (-0.76, -0.44)). Women with PCOS showed increased BMI (SMD 0.57 (0.32, 0.75)), waist circumference (SMD 0.64 (0.42, 0.86)), and waist-to-hip ratio (SMD 0.38 (0.14, 0.61)) together with increased homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (SMD 0.56 (0.27, 0.84)), fasting insulin (SMD 0.61 (0.38, 0.83)), fasting glucose (SMD 0.48 (0.29, 0.68)), and odds ratios (OR, 95% CI) for diabetes (OR 3.01 (1.91, 4.73)) compared to controls. Women with PCOS versus controls showed decreased HDL concentrations (SMD -0.32 (-0.46, -0.19)) and increased triglycerides (SMD 0.31 (0.16, 0.46)), even though total cholesterol and LDL concentrations, as well as the OR for dyslipidaemia, were similar to those of controls. The OR for having hypertension was increased in women with PCOS compared with controls (OR 1.79 (1.36, 2.36)). Albeit myocardial infarction (OR 2.51 (1.08, 5.81)) and stroke (OR 1.75 (1.03, 2.99)) were more prevalent in women with PCOS than controls, the ORs for cardiovascular disease as a whole, coronary artery disease as a whole, breast cancer and age at menopause, were similar in patients and controls. When restricting meta-analysis to studies in which women with PCOS and controls had a similar mean BMI, the only difference that retained statistical significance was a decrease in HDL-cholesterol concentration in the former and, in the two studies in which postmenopausal women with PCOS and controls had similar BMI, patients presented with increased serum androgen concentrations, suggesting that hyperandrogenism persists after menopause, regardless of obesity. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Hyperandrogenism appeared to persist during the late-reproductive years and after menopause in women with PCOS. Most cardiometabolic comorbidities were driven by the frequent coexistence of weight excess and PCOS, highlighting the importance of targeting obesity in this population. However, the significant heterogeneity among included studies, and the overall low quality of the evidence gathered here, precludes reaching definite conclusions on the issue. Hence, guidelines derived from adequately powered prospective studies are definitely needed for appropriate management of these women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel Luque-Ramírez
- Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Diabetes, Obesidad y Reproducción Humana, Universidad de Alcalá & Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS) & Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lía Nattero-Chávez
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Diabetes, Obesidad y Reproducción Humana, Universidad de Alcalá & Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS) & Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Héctor F Escobar-Morreale
- Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Diabetes, Obesidad y Reproducción Humana, Universidad de Alcalá & Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS) & Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
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Forslund M, Landin-Wilhelmsen K, Brännström M, Dahlgren E. No difference in morbidity between perimenopausal women with PCOS with and without previous wedge resection. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 285:74-78. [PMID: 37080084 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), affecting more than every 10th woman of reproductive age, is associated with increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Most knowledge regarding longtime consequences concerning morbidity is based on women where ovarian wedge resection (WR) was used as a surgical treatment, a method not used today. The aim of this study was to compare women with PCOS who had and had not undergone WR, regarding risk factors for CVD. The hypothesis was that women who had undergone WR had a more severe PCOS phenotype, and that this cohort thus had more associated CVD risk factors compared with women diagnosed through non-invasive methods. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study was performed. A PCOS cohort who underwent WR in the 1950-60 s (n = 27) were compared with a PCOS cohort diagnosed by NIH-criterions in the 1990s without WR (n = 32). Both cohorts were examined at perimenopausal age. RESULTS No differences were seen in prevalence of hypertension, obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) between the women with PCOS with or without WR, respectively. The results were persistent irrespective of the lower mean BMI in the WR group, 26.4 vs. 30.7 kg/m2, p = 0.01. In the stratified group of overweight and obese, there was no difference in T2DM 27% vs 25% or hypertension 27% vs 25%, in WR and non-WR women with PCOS, respectively. The cohort diagnosed through WR had higher free androgen index (6.3 vs. 2.1, p < 0.01) and total testosterone (2.20 vs. 0.99 nmol/L, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION No differences in CVD risk factors were found in perimenopausal women with PCOS with or without a previous WR, and irrespective of body weight. The results indicate that CVD morbidity and mortality from studies in women with PCOS who have undergone WR are generalizable to women with PCOS who have not undergone WR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Forslund
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Kerstin Landin-Wilhelmsen
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Section for Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Brännström
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eva Dahlgren
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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Ng NYH, Wu H, Lau ESH, Zhang X, Yang A, Tsang AYT, Yau TTL, Kong APS, Ng K, Chung JPW, Chow EYK, Chan JCN, Cheung LP, Luk AOY, Ma RCW. Young-onset diabetes in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A territory-wide retrospective analysis in Hong Kong. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2023; 199:110640. [PMID: 36965711 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2023.110640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM To ascertain the risk of progression to diabetes among Chinese women with PCOS. METHODS Women with PCOS (n = 3978) were identified from the Hong Kong Diabetes Surveillance Database based on the ICD-9 code for PCOS diagnosis and women without PCOS served as controls (n = 39780), matched 1:10 by age. RESULT(S) The mean follow-up was 6.28 ± 4.20 and 6.95 ± 4.33 years in women with PCOS and controls, respectively. The crude incidence rate of diabetes was 14.25/1000 person-years in women with PCOS compared with 3.45 in controls. The crude hazard ratio of diabetes in women with PCOS was 4.23 (95 % CI: 3.73-4.80, p < 0.001). Further stratified by age group, the risk of developing diabetes decreased with increasing age but it remained significantly higher in women with PCOS across all age groups. It also suggested that the incidence rate of diabetes in women with PCOS aged 20-29 is highly comparable to that in healthy women aged ≥ 40. More than half of the incident diabetes captured during the follow-up in women with PCOS cohort were young-onset diabetes. CONCLUSION Women diagnosed with PCOS at a younger age have the highest relative risk of developing diabetes, suggesting frequent glycemic status screening is required to detect diabetes at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel Y H Ng
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China
| | - Hongjiang Wu
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China
| | - Eric S H Lau
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China
| | - Xinge Zhang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China
| | - Aimin Yang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China; Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China
| | - Atta Y T Tsang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China
| | - Tiffany T L Yau
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China
| | - Alice P S Kong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China; Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China
| | - Karen Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China
| | - Jacqueline P W Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China
| | - Elaine Y K Chow
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China; Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China
| | - Juliana C N Chan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China; Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China
| | - Lai Ping Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China
| | - Andrea O Y Luk
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China; Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China
| | - Ronald C W Ma
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China; Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, PR China.
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Hyperandrogenic Symptoms Are a Persistent Suffering in Midlife Women with PCOS; a Prospective Cohort Study in Sweden. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010096. [PMID: 36672604 PMCID: PMC9855793 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women, and the majority suffers from hyperandrogenism. Hyperandrogenism causes psychological morbidity and impaired quality of life in women with PCOS during the reproductive years, but data on prevalence and impact during midlife are lacking. Thus, this study aimed to address whether hyperandrogenism persists into midlife and, if so, what impact it has on quality of life. In order to answer this question, we performed a multicenter prospective cohort study, where we included women already diagnosed with PCOS who had reached the age of 45 years or more and age-matched controls. All participants underwent a physical exam, structured medical interview, biochemical testing and filled out self-assessment questionnaires. More than 40% of the women with PCOS and 82% of those who presented with the hyperandrogenic phenotype at the diagnostic work-up still suffered from hirsutism. Circulating testosterone levels were similar between women with PCOS and controls while free androgen index was higher in women with PCOS, independent of weight. Women with hyperandrogenic PCOS expressed persisting concerns regarding hirsutism at the follow-up assessment. In conclusion, women with PCOS who present with hyperandrogenic symptoms at the time they are diagnosed with PCOS have a higher risk of persistent androgenic symptoms and impaired quality of life in midlife.
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Hirschberg AL. Approach to Investigation of Hyperandrogenism in a Postmenopausal Woman. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 108:1243-1253. [PMID: 36409990 PMCID: PMC10099172 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism is a condition caused by relative or absolute androgen excess originating from the ovaries and/or the adrenal glands. Hirsutism, i.e., increased terminal hair growth in androgen-dependent areas of the body, is considered the most effective measure of hyperandrogenism in women. Other symptoms can be acne and androgenic alopecia or the development of virilization including clitoromegaly. Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism may also be associated with metabolic disorders like abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Mild hyperandrogenic symptoms can be due to relative androgen excess associated with menopausal transition or polycystic ovary syndrome, which is likely the most common cause of postmenopausal hyperandrogenism. Virilizing symptoms, on the other hand, can be caused by ovarian hyperthecosis or an androgen-producing ovarian or adrenal tumor that may be potentially malignant. Determination of serum testosterone, preferably by tandem mass spectrometry, is the first step in the endocrine evaluation providing important information on the degree of androgen excess. Testosterone > 5 nmol/L is associated with virilization and requires prompt investigation to rule out an androgen-producing tumor in first instance. To localize the source of androgen excess, imaging techniques are used like transvaginal ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the ovaries and computed tomography (CT) and MRI for the adrenals. Bilateral oophorectomy or surgical removal of an adrenal tumor is the main curative treatment and will ultimately lead to a histopathological diagnosis. Mild to moderate symptoms of androgen excess are treated with anti-androgen therapy or specific endocrine therapy depending on diagnosis. This review summarizes the most relevant causes of hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women and suggests principles for clinical investigation and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Helvaci N, Yildiz BO. The impact of ageing and menopause in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 97:371-382. [PMID: 34288042 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal, metabolic and reproductive disorder. Women with PCOS at reproductive age have increased risk and prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes and have multiple risk factors for cardiometabolic disease and other comorbidities such as obstructive sleep apnoea, endometrial cancer and mood disorders, which contribute to the overall health burden of the syndrome. However, little is known about the impact of PCOS on long-term health in ageing women. In this review, we aimed to give an updated overview regarding the long-term health outcomes of PCOS and their clinical implications in peri- and postmenopause. The PCOS phenotype ameliorates with ageing and limited available data suggest that there is no further deterioration in cardiometabolic profile in women with PCOS after menopause. Accordingly, the risk of cardiovascular disease in ageing women with PCOS seems to be no different from those without PCOS and lower than previously anticipated based on their risk during reproductive years. Regarding other comorbidities including sleep apnoea, mood disorders and endometrial cancer, it is difficult to determine the true risk in older women with PCOS due to the confounding factors and lack of long-term cohort studies. Large, prospective studies on community-based and well-phenotyped PCOS cohorts with extended follow-up into late menopause are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiye Helvaci
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Hitit University School of Medicine, Corum, Turkey
| | - Bulent O Yildiz
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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9
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Kiconco S, Tay CT, Rassie KL, Azziz R, Teede HJ, Joham AE. Natural history of polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review of cardiometabolic outcomes from longitudinal cohort studies. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 96:475-498. [PMID: 34894357 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a worsened metabolic profile but the progression of cardiometabolic features over time is unclear. Understanding this natural history is a key priority in PCOS research and vital for guiding the prevention and management of this common condition. We explored cardiometabolic changes that are observed in women with PCOS compared to those without PCOS across the life course. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS A systematic review of longitudinal cohort studies was conducted across MEDLINE, EMBASE, Ovid PsycInfo, CINAHL PLUS and EBM reviews between 15 January 2020 and 11 February 2021. Eligible studies included participants with or without PCOS diagnosed according to the 2003 Rotterdam or the 1990 National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria. We included studies that were published from the year 1990 to 2021 with data on cardiometabolic outcomes as per the PCOS core outcomes set. RESULTS There were 31 longitudinal studies with 28,316 participants from four continents. At the start of follow up, participants were aged between 1 year and 49 years with a follow-up period ranging from 2 to 32 years. Changes in BMI and the risk of coronary heart disease were similar in adult women with and without PCOS. Women with PCOS had a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes than their non-PCOS counterparts. Evidence for the majority of all other outcomes was conflicting and with inadequate data. CONCLUSION Understanding the natural history of PCOS and particularly changes in cardiometabolic features remains challenging. Existing literature is extensive but heterogeneous and inconsistent. Longitudinal studies in unselected populations are needed to provide high-quality data in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Kiconco
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chau T Tay
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate L Rassie
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ricardo Azziz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Healthcare Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Health Policy, Management, and Behaviour, School of Public Health, University at Albany, SUNY. Rensselaer, New York, New York, USA
| | - Helena J Teede
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anju E Joham
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Forslund M, Schmidt J, Brännström M, Landin-Wilhelmsen K, Dahlgren E. Morbidity and mortality in PCOS: A prospective follow-up up to a mean age above 80 years. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 271:195-203. [PMID: 35220175 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the clear evidence of increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, the long-term effect on CVD and mortality is still uncertain in women with PCOS, especially in the elderly. Studies in elderly women with PCOS are lacking. The objective was to study morbidity/mortality in PCOS women compared with a reference group up to a mean age above 80 years. STUDY DESIGN A well-defined cohort of women with PCOS, examined in 1987 and 2008, was re-examined 32 years later in 2019 (age range 72-91 years), in parallel with an age-matched reference group. For deceased women register data was used, for women alive interviews were done, and medical records studied. Blood pressure and blood tests were analyzed. Morbidity and mortality data was available in 35/36 women with PCOS, and in 99/118 women in the reference group. RESULTS At mean age 81 years there was no difference in all-cause mortality (HR 1.1, ns), CVD-related mortality (HR 1.7, ns), all CVD (HR 1.2, ns), hypertension (HR 1.8, ns), type 2 diabetes (HR 1.7, ns), in levels of blood lipids, glucose, insulin or thyroid hormones. Comparing baseline data from the deceased and living women with PCOS, no differences were found regarding age, menopausal age, BMI, HOMA-IR, FAI, total testosterone or SHBG. However, deceased women with PCOS had a higher WHR (0.87 vs. 0.80; p-value < 0.01) at baseline. CONCLUSIONS No evidence of increased all-cause mortality or CVD was found in women with PCOS. The elevated testosterone levels and CVD risk profile in PCOS present during perimenopause do not seem to be associated with increased CVD morbidity/mortality risk later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Forslund
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Johanna Schmidt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Brännström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Landin-Wilhelmsen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eva Dahlgren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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van Keizerswaard J, Dietz de Loos AL, Louwers YV, Laven JS. Changes in individual polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypical characteristics over time: a long-term follow-up study. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:1059-1066. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Kiconco S, Tay CT, Rassie KL, Azziz R, Teede HJ, Joham AE. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1255-1273. [PMID: 35535684 PMCID: PMC9206535 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the natural history of reproductive, psychological and oncological features in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in comparison to those without PCOS across the life course? SUMMARY ANSWER Existing longitudinal data on changes in reproductive, psychological and oncological features in PCOS are inadequate and conflicting, but the limited evidence suggests that total testosterone (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels decline more significantly in women with PCOS than in those without PCOS, and the risk of gestational diabetes is higher in pregnant women with PCOS compared to their counterparts without PCOS. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The progression of reproductive, psychological and oncological features in PCOS remains unclear, which limits prevention and early diagnosis strategies across the lifespan. Understanding the natural history of PCOS is one of the overarching priorities in PCOS research. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a systematic review of longitudinal cohort studies with a narrative presentation of findings. Databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Ovid PsycInfo, CINAHL PLUS and EBM reviews were searched between 15 January 2020 and 11 February 2021 with no language restrictions. Only studies published from the year 1990 to February 2021 were included. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In line with current guidelines for the assessment and management of PCOS, we included studies where participants were females with PCOS diagnosed according to the 2003 Rotterdam or the 1990 National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus criteria. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 21 longitudinal studies including 62 123 participants over four continents reported reproductive, psychological and/or oncological outcomes. Participants were females aged between 15 and 49 years at baseline, with follow-up periods ranging from 4 weeks to 32 years. Consistent evidence based on limited studies suggests that total T and DHEAS levels decline to a greater degree in women with PCOS compared to those without PCOS, and the risk gestational diabetes is higher in women with PCOS than in those without PCOS. Evidence reporting changes over time in the majority of the remaining outcomes was unclear due to conflicting and/or insufficient information. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION There was extreme heterogeneity between studies in terms of study setting, population characteristics, follow-up period, effect measures used and laboratory testing approaches. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Understanding the natural history of PCOS and changes in diagnostic, reproductive, psychological and oncological features of PCOS across the lifespan is still a challenge and the existing literature is both limited and conflicting. It is important that future long-term prospective longitudinal studies are conducted in unselected and well-characterized populations. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This specific study was not funded. S.K. is supported by scholarships from the Research Training Program of the Commonwealth of Australia and Monash University; H.J.T. is supported by an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council fellowship; and A.E.J. is supported by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council's Centre for Research Excellence in Women’s Health in Reproductive Life. R.A. was employed by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and is a consultant to Spruce Biosciences and Fortress Biotech. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. REGISTRATION NUMBER Prospero registration number: CRD42020165546.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Kiconco
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chau Thien Tay
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Departments of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Louise Rassie
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ricardo Azziz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Healthcare Organization & Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Health Policy, Management, and Behaviour, School of Public Health, University at Albany, SUNY, Rensselaer, New York, USA
| | - Helena J Teede
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Departments of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anju E Joham
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Departments of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Correspondence address. E-mail:
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Baranauskas MN, Freemas JA, Tan R, Carter SJ. Moving beyond inclusion: Methodological considerations for the menstrual cycle and menopause in research evaluating effects of dietary nitrate on vascular function. Nitric Oxide 2021; 118:39-48. [PMID: 34774755 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports have acknowledged the underrepresentation of women in the field of dietary nitrate (NO3-) research. Undoubtedly, greater participation from women is warranted to clarify potential sex differences in the responses to dietary NO3- interventions. However, careful consideration for the effects of sex hormones - principally 17β-estradiol - on endogenous nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and dietary NO3- reductase capacity is necessary for improved interpretation and reproducibility of such investigations. From available literature, we present a narrative review describing how hormonal variations across the menstrual cycle, as well as with menopause, may impact NO biosynthesis catalyzed by NO synthase enzymes and NO3- reduction via the enterosalivary pathway. In doing so, we address methodological considerations related to the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive use relevant for the inclusion of premenopausal women along with factors to consider when testing postmenopausal women. Adherence to such methodological practices may explicate the utility of dietary NO3- supplementation as a means to improve vascular function among women across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa N Baranauskas
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health - Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana University, 47405, USA.
| | - Jessica A Freemas
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health - Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana University, 47405, USA
| | - Rachel Tan
- Department of Natural Science, Seaver College, Pepperdine University, 90263, USA
| | - Stephen J Carter
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health - Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana University, 47405, USA; Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
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Jacewicz-Święcka M, Wołczyński S, Kowalska I. The Effect of Ageing on Clinical, Hormonal and Sonographic Features Associated with PCOS-A Long-Term Follow-Up Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10102101. [PMID: 34068234 PMCID: PMC8153136 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10102101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The knowledge of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) natural history is limited. Our objective was to assess the effect of aging on clinical, hormonal and sonographic ovarian PCOS features and additionally to identify parameters that impact the course of PCOS. A secondary aim was to supply additional information on the reproductive outcome in women with previously diagnosed PCOS. A longitudinal cohort study with a median follow-up of 120.9 months was conducted, and 31 Caucasian women previously diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria were re-examined at a median age of 35. Clinical examinations; transvaginal ultrasound scans; and lipid, E-selectin and sex hormone assessments were performed at the beginning and at the end of the follow-up. It was observed that menstrual cycles became regular and sonographic morphology of ovaries was normalized in 55% and 49% of the participants, respectively (all p < 0.05). At the final assessment, 55% of the women no longer met the criteria for PCOS (p < 0.05). The age, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and E-selectin assessed at the baseline were the most important predictors of the PCOS persistence into later years (respectively, OR = 0.84, OR = 0.39, OR = 1.08, all p < 0.05). Ninety-five percent of the patients who had ever been trying to conceive became pregnant a minimum of once. The women with persistent PCOS had worse metabolic and reproductive parameters compared to the women with resolved PCOS. Positive correlations were found between the number of miscarriages and ovarian volume, LH, androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and an increase in E-selectin during the follow-up (R = 0.46, R = 0.59, R = 0.54, R = 0.49, R = 0.47, all p < 0.05). In conclusion, progressing from the third to the fourth decade is connected with a reduction in PCOS features, which seems to have a great impact on fertility of women with a previous diagnosis of PCOS. FSH and E-selectin, as determined at the initial PCOS diagnosis, had an impact on the disappearance of the syndrome years after.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Jacewicz-Święcka
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +48-85-731-8239
| | - Sławomir Wołczyński
- Department of Reproduction and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Białystok, Poland;
| | - Irina Kowalska
- Department of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland;
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