What is polycystic ovary syndrome? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine and metabolic disorders in women of reproductive age and is the main cause of secondary amenorrhea and anovulatory infertility in women of reproductive age, with an incidence of about 5-10%. Hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction, adrenocortical abnormalities, hyperprolactinism and genetics are common causes of PCOS, which is characterized by clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism, persistent anovulation and polycystic ovarian changes, often accompanied by insulin resistance and obesity. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are known to play an important role in the development of PCOS, and obesity has a catalytic role in the development of PCOS. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to be obese, mainly in the form of central obesity. About 80% of patients have insulin resistance, which eventually leads to hyperinsulinemia if not intervened in time. Hyperinsulinemia in PCOS patients is a compensatory phase of glucose regulation by the body in a state of insulin resistance, and obesity shortens this phase, increasing the incidence of diabetes in PCOS patients up to seven times that of the normal population and advancing its onset by nearly 30 years. These patients with PCOS who gain weight are more likely to have complications, have more serious problems with ovulation and are relatively more difficult to treat. What are the risks of polycystic ovary syndrome? Immediate dangers: including menstrual disorders, infertility, acne, hirsutism, obesity, etc. Most people know the disease only in the immediate future and think that adjusting menstruation and curing infertility is the ultimate goal, but you are wrong! If you do not get rid of PCOS completely, it will cause a series of related diseases. Long-term hazards: disorders of lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis, leading to coronary heart disease, hypertension; insulin resistance status and hyperinsulinemia, obesity, easy to develop into hidden diabetes or diabetes. These are the invisible killers lurking in the body of PCOS patients, coming very stealthy and with serious consequences! How should polycystic ovary syndrome be treated? In the past 20 years, insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia have been gradually recognized as the pathological basis of abnormal glucose metabolism and reproductive dysfunction in PCOS patients, respectively. Therefore, for PCOS patients with combined metabolic abnormalities, improving insulin resistance and correcting hyperinsulinemia have become an essential aspect of treatment. First, appropriate exercise, put weight control in the first place In the treatment of PCOS, weight control is not only the first, but also the most important. The often heard slogan – “Weight loss is a woman’s life’s work” – has particular importance for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Studies have found that a 5-10% weight loss can significantly improve insulin resistance and hyperandrogenemia, improve menstruation and ovulation, and thus restore conception. Therefore, adherence to regular exercise can not only remove excess body fat, but also play a curative role. In addition, with exercise, diet will be adjusted accordingly, to maintain a healthy body, the treatment of PCOS play a positive role can not be underestimated. The actual PCOS patients should also go to the endocrinology department for glucose tolerance test and islet function measurement, once the metabolic disorder is confirmed, they need to take metformin and insulin sensitizer – pioglitazone for 3-6 months under the guidance of the doctor. These drugs can improve the androgenized ovarian microenvironment due to high insulin resistance, restore ovulatory menstruation and correct metabolic abnormalities, improve ovarian response to ovulation induction, increase pregnancy rate, reduce the rate of early pregnancy and abortion, and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Metformin also has the most seductive effect on obese PCOS – weight loss. For those women with fertility requirements, they need to be treated with ovulation-promoting drugs under the supervision of a professional obstetrician-gynecologist. Although PCOS is complex, variable and lifelong-impacting, it is not completely incurable. As long as timely treatment and standardized management, we can greatly reduce the harm of PCOS and give women of childbearing age a chance to be mothers and build a harmonious and happy life together!