PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME ON FEMALE INFERTILITY
Abstract
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the main endocrinopathies associated with female infertility, mainly due to the ovulatory alterations characteristic of the syndrome. However, recent evidence demonstrates that its impacts extend beyond anovulation, involving metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory alterations that impair different stages of reproductive function. This study aimed to analyze the pathophysiological mechanisms related to infertility in women with PCOS, as well as to discuss clinical and therapeutic aspects associated with the syndrome. This is an integrative literature review conducted using the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases, including articles published between 2016 and 2025 in English and Spanish. After applying the eligibility criteria and methodological steps based on PRISMA 2020, 22 scientific studies were selected for analysis. The selection of articles was carried out through the reading of titles, abstracts, and full texts, considering studies related to the pathophysiology of PCOS and its association with female infertility. The studies were analyzed according to thematic categories related to insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, systemic inflammation, oocyte quality, endometrial receptivity, and therapeutic strategies. The results showed a significant association between PCOS and metabolic and hormonal alterations that directly interfere with female fertility. In addition, benefits of individualized therapeutic approaches were observed, including lifestyle changes, use of letrozole, metformin, and assisted reproductive techniques. It is concluded that infertility related to PCOS has a multifactorial nature and requires a multidisciplinary and individualized approach.
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