Abstract
Insulin resistance plays a central role in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, this finding is not universal in PCOS, and many women with insulin resistance do not develop this syndrome, leading to much controversy. Insulin resistance is more prevalent in certain phenotypes of PCOS, but tests of insulin resistance are not included in any of the currently used diagnostic criteria to define PCOS. Several genetic and environmental factors and their interactions appear to modulate the presence, degree and expression of insulin resistance. Tissue-specific defects in insulin signaling have been described, and different tissues contribute to insulin resistance differently in PCOS. Our understanding of the syndrome may benefit from greater insight into the mechanisms of the complex inter-relationship between insulin resistance and PCOS.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.