Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Challenges and Possible Solutions

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. This syndrome not only impairs female fertility but also increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, psychological diseases, and other health problems. Additionality, because of the high clinical heterogeneity, the current pathogenesis of PCOS is still unclear. There is still a large gap in precise diagnosis and individualized treatment. We summarize the present findings concerning the genetics, epigenetics, gut microbiota, corticolimbic brain responses, and metabolomics of the PCOS pathogenesis mechanism, highlight the remaining challenges in PCOS phenotyping and potential treatment approaches, and explain the vicious circle of intergenerational transmission of PCOS, which might provide more thoughts for better PCOS management in the future.

Automated summary

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting fertility and increasing the risk of various health problems. The current understanding of its pathogenesis is still incomplete, leading to difficulties in accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. This article summarizes the current findings on the genetic, epigenetic, gut microbiota, brain responses, and metabolomics aspects of PCOS, highlighting the challenges in phenotyping and potential treatment approaches. It also discusses the intergenerational transmission of PCOS, providing insights for better management in the future.