Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Challenges in Adolescence

June 2010 in “ Endocrinología y Nutrición ”

Ana Oliveira, Bernarda Sampaio, Ana Teixeira, Cíntia Castro-Correia, Manuel Fontoura, José Luis Valdez Medina

polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS anovulation androgen excess obesity insulin resistance diabetes metabolic syndrome plasma total testosterone hirsutism pelvic ultrasound oral contraceptives anti-androgens metformin hyperandrogenism testosterone birth control pills

Studysummary This article discusses PCOS in adolescents and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term health complications, noting increasing adolescent obesity may worsen symptoms.

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

The document reviews the challenges of diagnosing and managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents, a condition characterized by anovulation, androgen excess, and often associated with obesity and insulin resistance. It emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis to prevent long-term complications such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The document outlines the diagnostic criteria for PCOS and recommends early morning plasma total testosterone measurement for isolated hirsutism, with pelvic ultrasound for PCOS diagnosis. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, weight reduction, oral contraceptives, anti-androgens, and potentially metformin, although its effectiveness for hyperandrogenism symptoms is not well documented. The document concludes that while various treatments are available, lifestyle interventions should be the focus, and more research is needed to determine effective long-term prevention strategies for metabolic complications in adolescents with PCOS.

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