Antiandrogens and insulin sensitizers in PCOS management.

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine/metabolic condition. Hyperandrogenism and insulin-resistance with compensatory hyperinsulinemia are important features of PCOS. The aim of this paper is to review the rationale of antiandrogens and insulin-sensitizers use in PCOS management.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We include in our research the most relevant scientific literature about the impact of antiandrogens and insulin sensitizers in PCOS between 1976 and 2025.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: According to the most recent recommendations, antiandrogens can be a possible therapeutic option to reduce the impact of hyperandrogenism and treat hirsutism in PCOS patients after a period of 6 months of estroprogestins and/or cosmetic therapy without adequate results. Insulin-sensitizers can decrease the levels of insulin in subjects affected by hyperinsulinemia, improving metabolic and hormonal alterations observed in PCOS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Antiandrogens and insulin sensitizers represent fundamental pharmacological therapies for PCOS management.