CURRENT THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Anna Wojtala; Zuzanna Rafałowska; Stanisław Rutz; Julia  Kret; Aleksandra  Wyrostkiewicz; Jagoda  Pałubska; Oliwer Muller; Aleksander  Sadkowski; Paulina Bigda; Jan Gdula; Lilianna Zielińska; Michał Szpunar; Adrianna  Zabiegałowska; Magda Buśko

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5328

Authors

Anna Wojtala Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4082-0835
Zuzanna Rafałowska University Clinical Hospital in Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6699-3121
Stanisław Rutz Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7918-9625
Julia Kret Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2780-8448
Aleksandra Wyrostkiewicz Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3679-7570
Jagoda Pałubska SP ZOZ MSWiA w Kielcach im. św. Jana Pawła II, Kielce, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3833-7977
Oliwer Muller Szpital Kielecki św. Aleksandra sp. z o.o., Kielce, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6197-8461
Aleksander Sadkowski Szpital Uniwersytecki nr 2 im. dr. Jana Biziela, Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3300-2447
Paulina Bigda Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5022-6184
Jan Gdula Szpital specjalistyczny im. F. Ceynowy, Wejherowo, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9987-3758
Lilianna Zielińska Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2471-841X
Michał Szpunar Collegium Medicum w Bydgoszczy Uniwersytetu Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5981-3696
Adrianna Zabiegałowska Wojewódzki Szpital Zespolony im. Ludwika Rydygiera, Toruń, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3048-0097
Magda Buśko Collegium Medicum w Bydgoszczy Uniwersytetu Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6451-8612

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5328

Keywords:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Hyperandrogenism, Pharmacological Treatment, Lifestyle Modification, Infertility

Abstract

Introduction. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age and is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. The syndrome is frequently associated with metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and chronic inflammation, which increase the risk of long-term cardiometabolic complications. Due to its complex and multifactorial pathophysiology, effective management of PCOS requires a comprehensive and individualized therapeutic approach.

Materials and methods. Relevant literature was identified through a structured search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The search included terms such as “PCOS treatment,” “PCOS pharmacological treatment,” and “PCOS alternative treatment,” followed by more specific phrases related to diet, exercise, oral contraceptives, antiandrogens, metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, and surgical treatment. The analysis primarily included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials in accordance with Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) principles.

Results. The reviewed evidence indicates that lifestyle modification, including weight reduction, dietary changes, and regular physical activity, remains the cornerstone of PCOS management and can significantly improve metabolic and reproductive outcomes. Pharmacological therapies such as combined oral contraceptive pills, antiandrogens, metformin, and GLP-1 receptor agonists effectively address menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance. In addition, nutritional supplementation and herbal medicine may provide supportive benefits by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and regulating hormonal balance. For patients with infertility who do not respond to pharmacological ovulation induction, laparoscopic ovarian drilling may be considered as a second-line treatment.

Conclusions. PCOS management requires a multidisciplinary and individualized approach combining lifestyle interventions, pharmacological therapy, and complementary treatments. Further high-quality clinical studies are needed to better evaluate emerging therapies and optimize long-term treatment strategies for women with PCOS.

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