METABOLIC SYNDROME AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH OVARIAN DYSFUNCTION. LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction. Metabolic syndrome (MS) – a cluster of conditions like central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia – increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in women of reproductive age. Its prevalence is rising globally due to poor diets and reduced physical activity. Additionally, ovarian dysfunction conditions such as PCOS, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) are increasingly linked to metabolic disturbances. Understanding the connection between MS and ovarian dysfunction is critical to improving reproductive outcomes and reducing long-term health risks. Aim. This review aims to summarize and critically analyze the current understanding (2020–2025) of the relationship between MS and ovarian dysfunction, emphasizing shared mechanisms, clinical implications, and future research directions. Material’s and method. A targeted literature review was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and PMC databases. Studies published between January 2020 and June 2025, peer-reviewed, and focused on MS and ovarian dysfunction (PCOS, DOR, POI) were included. Results and Conclusions. Recent research reveals that MS and ovarian dysfunction share common pathophysiological mechanisms, including hyperinsulinemia, adipokine imbalance, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and altered hepatic metabolism. Insulin resistance is present even in lean PCOS phenotypes. Mendelian randomization studies suggest a bidirectional causal link between MS and ovarian dysfunction. The coexistence of these conditions impairs fertility, increases pregnancy complications, and elevates long-term cardiometabolic risk. Interventions like lifestyle changes, insulin-sensitizing drugs, and integrated reproductive-metabolic care show promise.