Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Metabolic Comorbidities: A Critical Appraisal of the Evidence With Practice Recommendations

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic and reproductive disorder that affects an extensive number of women of reproductive aged. The purpose of this project was to critically appraise current evidence regarding the metabolic comorbidities associated and their impacts on women with PCOS with goals of identifying what evidence based assessment, evaluation, and treatment options are available to health care providers treating women with PCOS. The results of this critical appraisal and consensus statements from The Endocrine Society and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine [ASRM] concluded that women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome (Akbarzadeh et al., 2012; ASRM, 2012; Legro et al., 2013; Moran, Misso, Wild, & Norman, 2010; Tao, Shengxian, Zhao, Mao, & Liu, 2012; & Yilmaz, Isaoglu, Delibas, & Kadanali, 2011). An evidence based practice algorithm was developed from the results of this critical appraisal and consensus between both The Endocrine Society and ASRM on the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS. The results of this critical appraisal and evidencebased algorithm will assist Advanced Practice Nurses (ANPs) in continued health promotion and the prevention of the comorbidities associated with PCOS.