TLDR Early treatment and weight management are important for teenagers with PCOS to reduce symptoms and long-term health risks.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of menstrual irregularities, acne, hirsutism, and premature pubarche in adolescents. Diagnosis can be supported by typical ultrasound findings, and it is important to assess obese adolescents for insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance issues due to potential long-term health risks. The excess androgens in PCOS contribute to acne and hirsutism, which can have significant psychosocial impacts on teenagers. Early detection and treatment with anti-androgens are crucial, and weight loss is a key management strategy for overweight individuals. While the long-term use of metformin in adolescents is controversial, preliminary data indicate it might be beneficial for both symptomatic and preventative treatment.
63 citations,
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46 citations,
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23 citations,
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35 citations,
June 1997 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences” Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are crucial for managing PCOS in adolescents.
38 citations,
January 1997 in “Gynecological Endocrinology” Finasteride and flutamide effectively reduce hirsutism in PCOS women, with flutamide also lowering hormone levels.
70 citations,
February 2012 in “Human Reproduction” Many young women who donate blood have hormonal disorders like excess male hormones and PCOS.
3 citations,
January 2012 in “Hanyang Medical Reviews” The document concludes that more research is needed to create suitable diagnostic criteria and understand PCOS in Korean women, and genetics may allow for personalized treatment.
10 citations,
November 2010 in “Skin therapy letter” Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.