Pharmacological treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome - health and quality of life in the short and long term

SBU has been commissioned by the Ministry of Social Affairs to assess evidence regarding women's health. After collaboration with government authorities, experts, and professionals, SBU has decided to investigate the effect of different pharmacological treatments in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Reading time approx. 1 minute Publication type:

Ongoing Projects

SBU assess relevant and well-conducted research and investigate what effect different interventions have, if there are any risks or ethical problems, and what is most cost-effective in the areas of health care, dentistry, social services, and within the areas of functional disability and work environment.

Contact SBU

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, is a common condition in women. The diagnosis means that the affected person has increased levels of androgens, male sex hormone, irregular or absent menstruations and polycystic ovaries, which means that the ovaries contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles). This can be associated with complications such as increased body hair, obesity, increased risk of insulin resistance or diabetes, infertility, decreased quality of life and mental health issues. In the long term, there may be an increased risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer.

Patients with PCOS can be treated in many health care sectors, including gynaecology, primary care, endocrinology, psychiatry, midwifery, and paediatrics.

Aim

The aim of the report is to describe how different pharmacological treatments affect the risk of complications in the long and short term in patients with PCOS. The following questions have been formulated:

  • Can different pharmacological treatments for PCOS reduce the risk of cardio-metabolic complications, risk factors and/or change quality of life in the long and short term?
  • Can pharmacological treatments for PCOS reduce the risk of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions?
  • How effective is glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RAs) for women with PCOS?
  • What is the cost-effectiveness of treatment with GLP-1-RAs for PCOS?
Page updated
To top