PCOS

Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among   women   of   reproductive   age.  Women   suffering   from PCOS present a group of symptoms associated with menstrual irregularities and  androgen(male hormone) excess,  which  significantly  impacts  their  quality  of  life.  They may be at  increased  risk  of  multiple complications,  including  obesity,  insulin  resistance,  type 2 diabetes, heart disease, infertility, cancer, and psychological disorders.[1] (El Hayek et al., 2016)

The economic burden of PCOS is significantly huge. Around 4 billion dollars are spent annually in the United States to screen for the disease and treat its various morbidities, including hirsutism, infertility, and diabetes mellitus (Azziz et al.  2005)[2] 

Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. That is why it is called polycystic ovary syndrome. The cysts are not harmful but lead to hormone imbalances.

Accurate and early diagnosis of PCOS is necessary not only to prevent future health problems but also to reduce financial cost and burden.

Myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI), two inositol stereoisomers, have been proven to be effective in PCOS treatment. However, only MI has been shown to have beneficial effects on reproductive function, whereas the administration of MI/DCI, in the physiological plasma ratio (i.e., 40:1) ensures better clinical results, such as the reduction of insulin resistance, androgens’ blood levels, cardiovascular risk and regularization of menstrual cycle with spontaneous ovulation.

References

[1] El Hayek, Samer et al. "Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome: An Updated Overview". Frontiers in Physiology 7 (2016)

[2] Azziz, R., Marin,  C.,  Hoq,  L., Badamgarav,  E.,  and  Song,  P.  (2005). Health care-related   economic   burden   of   the   polycystic   ovary   syndrome   during the reproductive life span.  J.  Clin.  Endocrinol.  Metab.  90, 4650–4658.