Introduction:

Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are frequent in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. This condition is relevant as the main pathogenic factor of the metabolic alterations that accompany the syndrome and because it conditions phenotypes with higher metabolic and reproductive risk.

Objective:

To perform a literature review on insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Methods:

A state-of-the-art literature review was performed. The particularities of insulin resistance associated with the syndrome and its clinical expression are described.

Conclusions:

Insulin resistance is of paramount importance in polycystic ovary syndrome, not only because of its frequency, but also because of the wide spectrum of metabolic and reproductive alterations associated with it. As in other disorders that characterize the syndrome, the specific pathophysiological mechanisms are not entirely clear. However, it is possible to diagnose and treat it in a timely manner, thus preventing complications, some of which are of vital importance. Therefore, and regardless of their body weight, health education from an early age to promote healthy lifestyles, prevention of body overweight and control of other factors that aggravate insulin resistance, including early evaluation of insulin resistance, should be understood as crucial in the management of women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

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