Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is comprised of a combination of the
following states: increased insulin resistance, dyslipidemia,
cardiovascular disease, and increased abdominal obesity. Women with
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of developing
metabolic syndrome over the course of their lives. Metabolic syndrome
increases risk of major cardiovascular events, morbidity, quality of
life, and overall health care costs. Though metabolic syndrome in women
with PCOS is an area of great concern, there is no effective individual
medical therapeutic to adequately treat this issue.
Areas Covered: This article will review key aspects of metabolic
syndrome in PCOS. We will discuss classic and novel therapeutics to
address metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS. We will conclude with the
importance of developing strategic interventions to increase the
compliance to lifestyle and dietary modification, in addition to
appreciation of the emerging pharmaceutical therapeutics available.
Expert Opinion: Innovation in lifestyle modification, including diet,
exercise, with and without dedicated stress reduction techniques is the
future in treatment of metabolic syndrome in PCOS. Application of novel
interventions, such as group medical care, may improve future adherence
to lifestyle modification recommendations, in addition to or in
combination with pharmaceutical therapeutics
