Exploring the Mechanisms of How Excess Androgens Adversely Impact Lipid Metabolism in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine-metabolic disorder in the female with ovaries that is diagnosed on the basis of hyperandrogenism, menstrual-ovulatory dysfunction, and polyfollicular ovary morphology. PCOS is highly associated with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and obesity leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Elevated serum androgens have been associated with atherogenic lipid profiles and impairments in lipid metabolism yet the mechanisms remain unclear.