reviewEndocrine ReviewsJul 26, 2016BRONZE OA

The Pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): The Hypothesis of PCOS as Functional Ovarian Hyperandrogenism Revisited

RLRobert L. RosenfieldDADavid A. Ehrmann

University of Chicago

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefpubmed

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was hypothesized to result from functional ovarian hyperandrogenism (FOH) due to dysregulation of androgen secretion in 1989 -1995. Subsequent studies have supported and amplified this hypothesis. When defined as otherwise unexplained hyperandrogenic oligoanovulation, two-thirds of PCOS cases have functionally typical FOH, characterized by 17-hydroxyprogesterone hyperresponsiveness to gonadotropin stimulation. Two-thirds of the remaining PCOS have FOH detectable by testosterone elevation after suppression of adrenal androgen production. About 3% of PCOS have a related isolated functional adrenal hyperandrogenism. The remaining PCOS cases are mild and lack evidence of steroid…

Citation impact

1,524
total citations
FWCI
76.85
Percentile
100%
References
604
Citations per year

Authors

2

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Polycystic ovary
  • Hyperandrogenism
  • Endocrinology
  • Internal medicine
  • Biology
  • Insulin resistance
  • Androgen
  • Theca
No related works found for this paper.

Funding