Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
A common endocrine disorder affecting up to 10% of women, characterised by hormonal imbalance, irregular periods, and ovarian cysts. PCOS often involves insulin resistance, making it relevant to GLP-1 receptor agonist research. GnRH compounds may be used in fertility treatment for PCOS.
Technical Context
PCOS affects approximately 8-13% of women of reproductive age. Diagnosis (Rotterdam criteria — 2 of 3): oligo/anovulation, clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound. Pathophysiology: insulin resistance → compensatory hyperinsulinaemia → stimulates ovarian androgen production + reduces SHBG → elevated free androgens → follicular arrest, anovulation, hirsutism, acne. GLP-1 RA relevance: emerging evidence shows GLP-1 RAs improve metabolic parameters in PCOS (weight loss, insulin sensitivity, reduced androgens, improved ovulation rates) — trials are ongoing. GnRH agonists are sometimes used diagnostically (GnRH stimulation test evaluating LH/FSH response) and therapeutically (ovulation induction in IVF protocols for PCOS patients — GnRH antagonist protocols reduce ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome risk in this high-risk population).