[Polycystic ovary syndrome as a multisystemic endocrinopathy].

OBJECTIVE

To review the recent progress in the diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of polycystic ovary disease (PCOD).

DESIGN

A review describing the progress in understanding of the dysregulation of ovarian androgen biosynthesis in polycystic ovary disease (PCOD).

SETTING

The Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Podolské nábr. 157, 147 10 Prague 4, Sanatorium Pronatal, Na Dlouhé mezi 4/12, 147 00 Praha 4-Hodkovicky.

CONCLUSION

It is proposed, that although this syndrome is very heterogeneous, the final common pathway involves a dysregulation of enzymes responsible for ovarian androgen biosynthesis, possibly induced/influenced by extraovarian factors--especially insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemie, growth factors, luteinizing hormone and their biochemical sequelae. It's probably extraovarian factors that determine endocrinological and clinical expression of the disease.