Targets to treat androgen excess in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common androgen disorder in reproductive-aged women. Excessive biosynthesis and secretion of androgens by steroidogenic tissues is its central pathogenetic mechanism.

Areas covered: The authors review the potential targets and new drugs to treat androgen excess in PCOS. Besides our lab’s experience, a systematic search (MEDLINE, Cochrane library, ClinicalTriasl.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register and hand-searching) regarding observational studies, randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and patents about this topic was performed.

Expert opinion: PCOS has a heterogeneous clinical presentation. It is unlikely that a single drug would cover all its possible manifestations. Available treatments for androgen excess are not free of side effects that are of particular concern in these women who suffer from cardiometabolic risk even without treatment. A precise characterization of the source of androgen excess must tailor antiandrogenic management in each woman, avoiding undesirable side effects.

Keywords:

• androgens
• antiandrogens
• enzymatic inhibitors
• functional hyperandrogenism
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• steroidogenesis
• therapeutic targets

Declaration of interest

M Luque-Ramirez and HF Escobar-Morreale report Grants PI1400649 and PI1100357 from Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Madrid, Spain, Plan Nacional de I + D + I 2008 – 2011, Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). CIBERDEM is also an initiative of Instituto de Salud Carlos III. The authors have no other 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 apart from those disclosed.

Notes

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