Hyperandrogenism in Adolescent Girls: Diagnosis and Management

January 2004 in “ KARGER eBooks ”

Christine Cortet-Rudelli, Didier Dewailly

hyperandrogenism PCOS polycystic ovary syndrome acne irregular menstrual cycles hormonal markers ultrasound non-classic adrenal hyperplasia NCAH oral contraceptives antiandrogens glucocorticoids birth control pills

Studysummary This article reviews the differential diagnosis of mild hyperandrogenism in adolescent girls, discussing potential causes such as PCOS and nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia, but presents no new data.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document from 2004 examines the complexity of diagnosing hyperandrogenism and PCOS in adolescent girls, noting that symptoms like acne and irregular menstrual cycles can be common in puberty but may also indicate underlying conditions such as PCOS. It discusses the physiological changes during puberty, the clinical aspects of PCOS, and the challenges in using hormonal markers and ultrasound for diagnosis. The document also explores the differentiation between classic and non-classic forms of PCOS, the pathophysiology of non-classic adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH), and other causes of hyperandrogenism. Treatment options for PCOS include oral contraceptives, antiandrogens, and lifestyle changes, while NCAH is typically treated with glucocorticoids. The importance of considering the psychological impact of PCOS on adolescents is highlighted, along with the need for careful diagnosis and management.

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Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

4809 citations , January 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This review discusses polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing its broad range of manifestations and associations with risks like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events, but reports no new clinical results.

research Developmental Origin of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Hypothesis

430 citations , July 2002 in “Journal of Endocrinology”

This hypothesis paper suggests that PCOS may result from genetically determined ovarian hypersecretion of androgens, influencing hormone regulation and insulin resistance, with obesity further affecting its severity; no new clinical results are reported.

research Screening for 21-Hydroxylase-Deficient Nonclassic Adrenal Hyperplasia Among Hyperandrogenic Women: A Prospective Study

216 citations , November 1999 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that a basal 17-hydroxyprogesterone level is effective for screening nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia in women, with a 4 ng/mL cutoff providing high specificity and positive predictive value.