Polycystic ovary syndrome: pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease (part 1)

The article presents analysis of modern literature data on risk factors and pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Despite numerous studies, it has not been possible so far to formulate a unified concept of the pathogenesis and etiology of PCOS. This lecture considers mechanisms of PCOS development. The role of impaired steroidogenesis in the adrenal glands and ovaries in PCOS is observed. The focus is assigned to insulin resistance that is likely involved in the development of reproductive PCOS phenotype and might mediate on some of the changes in ovarian morphology seen in this disease. It has been shown that not only hereditary factors lead to the development of this syndrome, but also lifestyle, physical activity and concomitant somatic diseases.