THE EFFECT OF THE POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME ON THE COMPLICATED COURSE OF THE MENOPAUSAL PERIOD

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered to be the most common endocrine disorder in women. The etiology of PCOS is multifactorial and still not fully understood. Insulin resistance and subsequent hyperinsulinemia are major features of PCOS. Additionally, increased androgen levels facilitate the release of free fatty acids from visceral fat tissue, what exacerbates insulin resistance. Insulin resistance in PCOS is also associated with abdominal obesity and other components of metabolic syndrome. All these abnormalities place females with PCOS at an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders later in life. Current data indicate that in women with PCOS there is a significant cancer risk, at least for endometrium. This finding should facilitate proper screening strategies, lifestyle changes and insulin resistance's treatment as a primary intervention what may decrease the risk in PCOS population