TY - JOUR
T1 - New Perspectives on the Pathogenesis of PCOS
T2 - Neuroendocrine Origins
AU - Walters, Kirsty A.
AU - Gilchrist, Robert B.
AU - Ledger, William L.
AU - Teede, Helena J.
AU - Handelsman, David J.
AU - Campbell, Rebecca E.
PY - 2018/12
Y1 - 2018/12
N2 - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine condition in reproductive-aged women. It is characterized by reproductive, endocrine, metabolic, and psychological features. The cause of PCOS is unknown, thus there is no cure and its management remains suboptimal because it relies on the ad hoc empirical management of symptoms only. We review here the strong support for PCOS having a neuroendocrine origin. In particular, we focus on the role of aberrant hypothalamic–pituitary function and associated hyperandrogenism, and their role as major drivers of the mechanisms underpinning the development of PCOS. This important information now provides a target site and a potential mechanism for the future development of novel, targeted, and mechanism-based effective therapies for the treatment of PCOS.
AB - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine condition in reproductive-aged women. It is characterized by reproductive, endocrine, metabolic, and psychological features. The cause of PCOS is unknown, thus there is no cure and its management remains suboptimal because it relies on the ad hoc empirical management of symptoms only. We review here the strong support for PCOS having a neuroendocrine origin. In particular, we focus on the role of aberrant hypothalamic–pituitary function and associated hyperandrogenism, and their role as major drivers of the mechanisms underpinning the development of PCOS. This important information now provides a target site and a potential mechanism for the future development of novel, targeted, and mechanism-based effective therapies for the treatment of PCOS.
KW - androgen receptor
KW - brain
KW - hyperandrogenism
KW - polycystic ovary syndrome
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85052836455&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.tem.2018.08.005
DO - 10.1016/j.tem.2018.08.005
M3 - Review Article
C2 - 30195991
AN - SCOPUS:85052836455
SN - 1043-2760
VL - 29
SP - 841
EP - 852
JO - Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism
JF - Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism
IS - 12
ER -