Abstract
Recently, an important role of insulin resistance has been demonstrated in polycystic ovary syndrome. New treatment strategies have emerged from this association, as well as a will to prevent long-term metabolic complications of the syndrome, namely metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Rosiglitazone, a member of the thiazolidinedione family, appears to efficiently treat oligoanovulation, menstrual irregularity and hirsutism but it might not be the best treatment for acne. By comparison, ethinylestradiol/cyproterone acetate is not only better than rosiglitazone in controlling menstrual irregularity and acne but also appears to be equally effective in alleviating hirsutism, although it is inferior in restoring fertility. As for long-term complications, rosiglitazone appears to treat the metabolic syndrome and prevent insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while no similar benefit is expected with ethinlyestradiol/cyproterone acetate. Both treatments are equally effective in preventing endometrial neoplasia. In summary, both rosiglitazone and ethinlyestradiol/cyproterone acetate are efficient in treating polycystic ovary syndrome, but there might be a significant advantage of rosiglitazone in preventing long-term metabolic complications of the syndrome.