TLDR Underweight women with PCOS can have insulin resistance, and treatment with metformin and dexamethasone can improve symptoms.
This case study discusses a 24-year-old underweight woman with a BMI of 15.9 kg/m² who was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance. Despite her underweight status, she exhibited hyperandrogenic signs such as hirsutism and acne, along with irregular menstrual cycles. Hormonal tests confirmed elevated levels of testosterone, androstenedione, and 17-OH progesterone, while other conditions like Cushing’s syndrome and thyroid disorders were ruled out. The primary treatment focused on insulin resistance using metformin and dexamethasone, leading to significant improvements in her symptoms after 6 months. The study emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing and managing PCOS in patients who are not overweight.
1 citations,
August 2023 in “Curēus” Metformin helps reduce PCOS-related infertility by improving insulin sensitivity and inducing ovulation.
22 citations,
January 2019 in “Endocrinology and metabolism” An mFG score of 7 or higher indicates hirsutism in Filipino women, often linked to higher free testosterone levels.
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343 citations,
October 2015 in “Endocrine Practice” The guide recommends specific methods for diagnosing PCOS and various treatments for its symptoms, while considering the health impacts on adolescents.
7 citations,
November 2003 in “Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology” Metformin helps improve symptoms and reproductive outcomes in people with polycystic ovary syndrome.
21 citations,
November 2017 in “Cochrane library” Ovarian drilling surgery is not clearly better than medical treatments for PCOS symptoms.
97 citations,
July 2006 in “Dermatologic therapy” The document concludes that accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment are important for skin problems in women with PCOS.
30 citations,
October 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” A team approach is crucial for managing PCOS, with dermatologists playing a key role.
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36 citations,
October 2021 in “Frontiers in Endocrinology” Insulin resistance and high male hormone levels are major causes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
1514 citations,
December 2011 in “Fertility and sterility” Experts agree that PCOS affects women's health in complex ways, but more research is needed to understand and treat it effectively.
5 citations,
March 2022 in “Frontiers in Endocrinology” A model using hormone levels, cycle length, and BMI can help identify PCOS in Chinese women but isn't for screening teens.