Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) : A Comprehensive Review of Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management, and Drug Repurposing

Abstract

Many women of reproductive age suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine-gynecological condition. The precise etiology and pathophysiology of PCOS are still not fully understood, despite the discovery of a portion of the mechanisms involved. We looked for information on repurposed drugs on ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed for PCOS pathophysiology and management in this study. Every contributing factor of PCOS was carefully assessed. Additionally, tables highlight all of the information on regularly given and repurposed drugs for PCOS. Insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and obesity were examined as internal causes, while epigenetics, environmental pollutants, stress, and food were examined as external factors. 
A complex endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, irregular menstrual periods, and the presence of polycystic ovaries. Despite being widespread and having a substantial impact on women's health, the pathophysiology of PCOS remains unclear. This review provides a thorough critical assessment of the existing literature on PCOS etiology, highlighting its complex nature and pointing out information gaps. A comprehensive examination of the literature revealed relevant publications that focused on the molecular, genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors that contribute to the development of PCOS and were published up until the knowledge cutoff in 2023.