Androgens in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Role of Exercise and Diet

Francesco Giallauria; Stefano Palomba; Carlo Vigorito; Maria Giovanna Tafuri; Annamaria Colao; Gaetano Lombardi; Francesco Orio

doi:10.1055/s-0029-1225258

Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, Table of Contents

Semin Reprod Med 2009; 27(4): 306-315
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1225258

Androgens in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Role of Exercise and Diet

Francesco Giallauria¹ , Stefano Palomba² , Carlo Vigorito¹ , Maria Giovanna Tafuri³ , Annamaria Colao⁴ , Gaetano Lombardi⁴ , Francesco Orio⁴ ^, ⁵

¹Department of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular and Immunological Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II,” Naples, Italy
²Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia,” Catanzaro, Italy
³Teaching and Methods of Sportive Activity, Faculty of Exercise Sciences, University of Naples “Parthenope,” Naples, Italy
⁴Department of Molecular & Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, University of Naples “Federico II,” Naples, Italy
⁵Endocrinology, Faculty of Exercise Sciences, University of Naples “Parthenope,” Naples, Italy

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in premenopausal women and is characterized by chronic ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism. Clinical studies have shown that hyperandrogenism is linked with insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome in PCOS women. This review article summarizes the several potential mechanisms for the association of androgen excess with insulin resistance, including both direct and indirect actions of androgens on insulin target tissues. This review article also focuses on the beneficial effects of exercise training and diet on glucose metabolism and hyperandrogenism in PCOS women, pointing out that whether in conjunction with pharmacotherapy or as a stand-alone treatment, diet and exercise training represent a fundamental strategy in the treatment of PCOS women.

KEYWORDS

Polycystic ovary syndrome - exercise training - diet - hyperandrogenism - insulin resistance

Full Text

References

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Orio FrancescoM.D. Ph.D.

Department of Molecular & Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology

University of Naples “Federico II,” Naples, Italy

Email: francescoorio@virgilio.it