Effects of polycystic ovary syndrome on liver, heart, muscle, and pancreatic-related diseases

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Authors: Bingrui Li, Yuan Li, Xianglin Li, Zicheng Yu, Jin Yu, Yang Shao, Tonglu Li, Shuai Sun, Ling Zhou, Ruipin Yao, Wen Cheng, Jiye Zhu
+7 more Jindong Miao, You Li, Yang Wu, Yin Shi, Jing Zhou, Chaoqin Yu, Changquan Ling
Cited by: 1
References: 114

Abstract

Background: PCOS is far more than an ovarian disorder; it is a systemic metabolic crisis affecting 11-13% of women. This review maps its extra-ovarian reach into the liver, heart, muscle, and pancreas. Methods: We analyzed how the "pathophysiological quartet"-insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, inflammation, and oxidative stress-coordinates systemic damage. Results: PCOS prevalence skyrockets to 28.3% in women with obesity. Key findings include a 51.61% prevalence of MASLD in obese patients and a 2-4 fold increase in cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes risk. These manifestations are rooted in a shared metabolic "soil," creating a vicious cycle of androgen excess and multi-organ dysfunction, including sarcopenia and β-cell exhaustion. Conclusion: Fragmented care is insufficient. The systemic nature of PCOS demands a paradigm shift toward integrated, multidisciplinary management, treating the patient as a metabolic whole.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Ovarian function and disorders Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Lipid metabolism and biosynthesis

Publication details

Journal / source
Frontiers in Endocrinology
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Volume
17
Pages
1776584–1776584
Publication date
10 April 2026
Language
EN