[Polycystic ovary syndrome, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk and the role of insulin sensitizing agents].

The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 6 to 10% of women of childbearing age. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are present in nearly all PCOS patients and play a central role in the development of both hyperandrogenism and metabolic syndrome (MS). MS occurs in approximately 43% of PCOS patients, raising the cardiovascular risk to up seven fold in these patients.

[Hormonal therapy of menopause: 2004 position of the Department of Female Endocrinology and Andrology of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism].

After randomized clinical trials produced impact and questions at the medical community on menopause hormonal therapy (MHT), the Department of Female Endocrinology and Andrology of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology convened a group of specialists to produce an informative, critical and position paper, offering guidelines for those who practice or are called to express their opinion on menopause therapy. MHT is indicated for relief of vasomotor symptoms, maintenance of vaginal tropism, bone mass and collagen preservation, sexual and general well-being. Studies on primary cardiovascular prevention are not conclusive, and thus insufficient to indicate or not MHT for this purpose.