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VOL. 2, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Pathogenesis, clinical consequences, and therapeutic strategies
Authors
Souvik Tewari, D Jasmine Priya
Abstract
Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of
reproductive age, with an estimated global prevalence of 8–20%, depending on
diagnostic criteria. Beyond its reproductive manifestations, including
menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and infertility, PCOS is
increasingly recognized as a complex metabolic disorder closely associated with
obesity, insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, dyslipidemia, and
metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome significantly increases the lifetime risk
of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver
disease (NAFLD), and premature mortality. Among the multiple pathogenic
mechanisms involved in PCOS, obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation form
an interconnected triad that drives disease progression and metabolic
complications. Excess visceral adiposity promotes adipokine imbalance and
inflammatory cytokine release, while insulin resistance exacerbates ovarian
androgen production, further worsening metabolic dysfunction. Chronic
inflammation amplifies oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction,
contributing to long-term cardiometabolic risks. This review discusses the
pathophysiological links between PCOS and metabolic syndrome, emphasizing the
central roles of obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Current
evidence regarding molecular mechanisms, clinical implications, diagnostic
strategies, and therapeutic interventions—including lifestyle modification,
pharmacotherapy, and emerging anti-inflammatory approaches—is also summarized.
Understanding these interconnected pathways is essential for early diagnosis,
individualized management, and prevention of long-term metabolic complications
in women with PCOS.
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Pages:1-10
How to cite this article:
Souvik Tewari, D Jasmine Priya "Metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Pathogenesis, clinical consequences, and therapeutic strategies". World Journal of Gynecology, Vol 2, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 1-10
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