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Another study that finds hyperandrogenism in women is associated with increased Metabolic Syndrome.  This study found obesity was associated with increased hyperandrogegism and Metabolic Syndrome irregardless of PCOS diagnosis or not.

Vitamin D deficiency is found in women with PCOS and vitamin D therapy shown to improve insulin resistance in women with PCOS

Interesting study looked PCOS and the sympathetic vagal system and cardiovascular disease risk. They found that those with PCOS were found to have sympathovagal imbalance and decreased HRV.  Low HRV has been clearly associated with increased cardiovascular disease.  They also found insulin resistance and dyslipidemia to be associated with sympthovagal imbalance and cardiovascular risk as well.

Only abstract available here. Exact complexity of the signaling involved in PCOS is yet to be determined, but increased androgens in women is proving to be a strong link between PCOS and metabolic dysfunction.

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease in some studies.  Hyperandrogenism is associated with increased CVD in women with PCOS. This study found that elevated androgen levels in non obese women with/without PCOS was associated with lower MPV values.  This stands in contrast to other studies. 

Elevated androgens are associated increasing insulin, insulin resistance, and inflammation (as measured by CRP).

Very insightful study.  Study looked at hyperadrogenism and inflammation in women on the orders of PCOS.  The study subjects did not have PCOS, but hyperandrogenism via 130 mg DHEA was associated with an increase in TNF-alpha in these lean o/w healthy women.  We know this is due to hyperandrogenism as elevated Testosterone, DHEA, and androstenedione were documented with treatment. Take home:  androgens promote inflammation in women.  I believe this has serious negative implications about the massive Testosterone doping that is occurring in women today.

Data review finds NAC improves pregnancy rates and ovulation rates in women with PCOS against placebo.  Meta-analysis revealed limited studies on the topic.  When compared to metformin, there was no difference found.  Though, one wonders if attacking insulin resistance through proper diet and additional neutraceutical approach would negate that.  The reason?  NAC and metformin are working in different biochemical pathways.  The authors here seem to not realize this. It appears that they think NAC and metormin are both working in the same manner, but they don't.  The fact that there is still benefit found compared to placebo, despited the authors lack of understanding of what NAC is and does is a positive.

good review of the physiology behind adolescent PCOS.  Though I hate this term because it treats PCOS as a diagnostic disease when it is simply a metabolically induced hormone balance.

PCOS is a disease of the female reproductive system that is characterized by hairiness, infrequent or heavy periods, skin disorders and infertility. Its symptoms and causes need immediate medical care as it can be deadly.

PCOS is a serious disease of the female reproductive tract identified by male pattern baldness, hirsutism, sleep apnea and infertility. Unfortunately, there is no cure for it. However, some home remedies can help ease the symptoms.

insulin, in women with PCOS, promotes increased 5-alpha reductase activity.  This results in a dysregulated HPA axis, promoting increased cortisol and androgen levels.

increased 5-alpha reductase activity found in women with PCOS. Weight showed no variance.  Additionally, no change in 11-betaHSD activity was found.

Study finds that Testosterone provided a small anti-inflammatory effect in post-menopausal women and men, whereas Estrogen increased macrophage cytokine production in post-menopausal women with elevated LDL.  Now, this study did not differentiate PCOS versus non-PCOS, nor did it look at the effects of adiposity in these hormonal effects in women.  Both of which, will effect the outcome.

shorter Telomere length associated with PCOS.

statin therapy worsens insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS.  Statin therapy in this study did lower CRP, LDL and triglycerides.  Of note, DHEA decreased. This should be no surprise as statins are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors which reduces hormone synthesis from cholesterol.

PCOS is not a birth control pill deficiency, but a complex hormonal imbalance

Myo-inositol shown to improve insulin resistance and lower testosterone levels in women with PCOS

omega shown to reduce androgens in women with PCOS

5alpha-reductase PCOS.  Insulin and obesity are associated with increased 5alpha-reductase activity.