Insulin sensitizers for polycystic ovary syndrome

PCOS has traditionally been regarded as an infertility disorder or cosmetic annoyance, but recent recognition of the prominent role of insulin resistance in the syndrome has revealed PCOS to be a metabolic disorder with systemic effects that is associated with a high risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This dictates that treatment modalities should focus not only on short-term amelioration of infertility or the syndrome's manifestations, but also on the diminution of its long-term adverse consequences on overall health. Evidence suggests that insulin-sensitizing drugs may accomplish these goals. This is in contrast to traditional therapy with OCPs, which may in fact increase the PCOS-associated risk for diabetes and heart disease.